Newcastle vs Crystal Palace Preview: Former Players Return
Newcastle United host Crystal Palace this weekend with the visitors looking to build on the momentum garnered in their victory over the champions, Chelsea, a week ago.
In the post-match press conference last week, Roy Hodgson was quick to play down the importance of the Wilfried Zaha’s return, instead focusing on his pride in the collective performance displayed by his side.
Andros Townsend also had an excellent game and looked to have thrived in the Ivorian’s presence as Palace have been rather predictable in their offensive approach so far this season – with long balls to Benteke – becoming overused and ineffective.
The forward pair had accomplished defenders in David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta – looking very uncomfortable throughout.
Whilst Benteke’s goal threat will be a miss, it’s vital that Zaha and Townsend can bring the same sort of energy produced against Chelsea if Palace is to get anything out of this game.
The Magpies will still be confident ahead of this afternoon’s showdown as they haven’t lost at home in the league since their opening day defeat at the hands of Spurs.
Rafael Benitez is slowly moulding this group into an outfit who are difficult to beat. Back-to-back score draws against Liverpool at home and Southampton away will have been something which Toon fans will probably have taken at the beginning of the season; had you offered them it.
Despite last week’s result, Benitez will have been understandably disappointed to have watched his players twice throw away a lead and knows that this type of showing will be frowned upon by the home faithful if it were to happen against a team who are bottom of the league.
Regardless, signs of improvement are evident and games such as this one which will give an indication as to whether or not this squad of players are capable of maintaining their current mid-table position.
Team News:
Dwight Gayle will not be fit enough to face his former club, meanwhile, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is available after missing last week’s victory over Chelsea due to ineligibility.
Hodgson has a difficult decision to make as Yohan Cabaye’s excellent performance last week added to the fact he’ll be returning to a club where he was once adored may tempt him to keep the Frenchman in the side.
Welsh goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey is back and available following the calf strain sustained during the international break.
Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke remain sidelined with serious knee injuries.
Next: Ronald Koeman needs to go
Prediction:
Newcastle will be pushing for a win given the manner in which they dropped points last week and has not secured a victory in their last three league games.
Palace will simply be looking to continue adding points on the board and Hodgson will likely look to the duo of Zaha and Townsend to cause the hosts problems on the break.
Newcastle 2-2 Crystal Palace