'Changed dramatically' - Pundits expect Newcastle United to surrender their Europa League advantage

The experts are predicting a Newcastle United slip-up when they take on Crystal Palace tonight. Just one league win at Selhurst Park since 2009-10 came during the Covid-impacted campaign with no fans in attendance. 

Callum Wilson and Joelinton were the heroes in November 2020 but, that aside, Palace has proven a sticky wicket for the Magpies. This fixture has been littered with draws when played in South London.

Four of the previous six meetings at Selhurst Park have ended with Newcastle earning a point. However, that may not be good enough to cling onto sixth place as Manchester United welcome relegation certainties Sheffield United to Old Trafford tonight.

Three points would be a huge step towards Eddie Howe’s men qualifying for the Europa League - but the pundits are not so certain. NewcastleWorld has profiled how the former professionals are tipping the Magpies to get on against Palace.

Chris Sutton

“Crystal Palace will be buzzing off the back of their big win over West Ham on Sunday,” he told BBC Sport. “Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise sparkled again alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta up front and having those two back fit has been huge for new Eagles boss Oliver Glasner in terms of increasing his side's attacking threat.

“Newcastle have found a bit of form recently too, but I fancy Palace to edge it. They look completely safe from relegation now so they can play with a bit of freedom, but Eze and Olise will make the difference.”

Paul Merson

"Who saw that Crystal Palace performance coming the other day?” Merson told Sportskeeda. "They have three match-winners in attack with Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta. In my opinion, that's the best front three in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

“Newcastle United would have looked at this one as a winnable game a couple of weeks ago, but the situation has changed dramatically. I'm going for the two sides to share the spoils in an entertaining contest."