Newcastle United are aiming to start 2026 on the right foot by beating Crystal Palace this afternoon.
The Magpies defeated Burnley 3-1 in their final game of 2025 to record only their second Premier League away win of the campaign.
But at St James’ Park, Eddie Howe’s side are unbeaten in 10 matches in all competitions, so they will be looking to take full advantage of back-to-back home games against Palace and Leeds United.
Howe has called January a “season defining” month as they look to climb the Premier League table, as well as advance in both the Carabao Cup and Champions League.
“We love playing at home, goes without saying,” Howe said. “We've been really good at home for a long time, so we prefer to play there other than anywhere else. I think the travelling, especially during a hectic game schedule, the more you can minimise that, then that's beneficial for us.
“But, as I say, January will be a season-defining month for us and you look at the month as a whole, I think some great games for us and really mouth-watering occasions. But we've got some tough challenges ahead and certainly the start to the month needs to be a fruitful one for us.”
Here’s how Newcastle are predicted to line-up against Palace:
5. CB: Fabian Schar
Hasn’t looked his most comfortable alongside Thiaw. It might not be long until we see Sven Botman back in the starting XI. | Getty Images
6. LB: Lewis Hall
Hall twisted his ankle at Burnley but Eddie Howe expects him to be available against Crystal Palace. | Getty Images
7. CM: Sandro Tonali
Howe was asked about Tonali’s recent form in his pre-match press conference and the Magpies’ head coach agreed that the Italian has fallen below his best in recent weeks. | Getty Images
8. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
You can debate whether the Brazilian is playing good or bad but one thing that you never doubt is his heart and determination. | Getty Images