Oliver Glasner takes his injury ravaged squad to St James’ Park this weekend to take on Newcastle United, with the early January signing of Brennan Johnson a much needed addition.
Midfielder Will Hughes pulled his hamstring in the draw with Fulham on New Years Day, and while he will be a late decision he is expected to join Eddie Nketiah, Daniel Munoz, Chris Richards and Daichi Kamada in a crowded treatment room.
Former Nottingham Forest player Johnson signed from Spurs on Friday in time to be included in the squad to face Newcastle, and becomes the new record signing for Palace.
At just 24 years of age, he has plenty of years ahead of him and Glasner has stated his excitement at the prospect of working with him.
Before the signing was confirmed on Friday afternoon, the Austrian was keen to highlight the fact that he has 13 fit players to select from this weekend before dipping into the Academy, but he is keen to ensure that they choose the right time to give such players minutes so as not to over expose them.
The 2026 opener did feel like two points dropped against a Fulham side who were in the ascendancy when they scored their equaliser, and only one team looked like going on for the win on Thursday evening. Perhaps it was a point gained from that perspective but it is worrying how the players faded in the latter stages.
There was plenty of frustration among Selhurst Park during the game, particularly over the decision by Glasner to make changes late on. Facing facts, it is clear that he does not particuarly trust those players on the bench to try and preserve a lead or even go for a win, depending on the circumstances, especially as the squad is so thin on the ground.
For that reason, Johnson is a very welcome recruit so early in the window but there is plenty of hope that he is the first of potential three or maybe four unless there are outgoings to contend with.
The long Sunday trip to Newcastle, then back to South London to take on Villa before heading to Macclesfield on Saturday as the defence of the FA Cup begins against the non-league side. Then the time that Glasner and the players are very much looking forward to with one game a week, which is something Palace have not enjoyed since November.
📋 Match Overview & Broadcast
- Kick-off: Sunday 4 Jan 2026, 15:00 GMT at St. James’ Park
- Broadcast: Sky Sports in the UK, with nowTV and streaming via Sky Go
🔄 Recent Form
Newcastle United
- Premier League form (last 5): W L D W L — recent win away at Burnley (3‑1), draw vs Chelsea, loss at Manchester United
- At home, unbeaten at St. James’ Park since September [sportsmole.co.uk], [shieldsgazette.com]
Crystal Palace
- Form (last 5 across competitions): 0 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses — recent 1‑0 loss to Tottenham, draw in Conference League
- Slump: no league win in last 5 matches
⚽ Head-to-Head Record
- Broadly, Newcastle dominate: 30 meetings – 13 wins Newcastle, 6 draws, 11 wins Palace
- Recent match dynamics at St. James’: Newcastle won 8, Palace 4, drawn 3 of 15 matches
- 2025 April: Newcastle thrashed Palace 5‑0; they’ve also won 4‑0 in Oct 2023
🩹 Injuries & Availability
Newcastle United
- Out or doubtful: Burn, Krafth, Lascelles, Trippier, Botman, Livramento, Osula, Elanga
- Positive updates: Botman, Elanga, Krafth, Trippier training and nearing returns
Crystal Palace
- Missing up to nine first-team players: Kporha, Riad, Doucouré, Richards, Kamada, Muñoz, Nketiah, Hughes, Ismaila Sarr (AFCON)
- Richards out with swollen foot; Nketiah and Hughes questionable; squad stretched thin after heavy fixture schedule
🔎 Key Players & Tactics
Newcastle
- Bruno Guimarães – creative hub, leading in assists
- Harvey Barnes – scoring threat, has ~0.34 goals per 90 mins
Crystal Palace
- Jean‑Philippe Mateta – their top scorer this season; valued prop bet
- Defensive block and wing-back counterplay under Oliver Glasner but fatigued due to fixture congestion
📊 Stats & Betting Insights
| Market | Insight |
|---|---|
| Both Teams to Score (BTTS) | High likelihood; Palace scores in 89% of away games, Newcastle concedes in 78% at home |
| Guimarães to Assist | Strong pick; leads team in chance creation |
| Draw | Value bet; head-to-head shows 7 draws in 17, both sides inconsistent |
| Goal Potential | Expecting a lively game rather than defensive, per xG analysis |
✅ Prediction Summary
- Newcastle edge the head-to-head, but Palace’s away scoring form and Newcastle’s porous defence suggest both teams likely to score.
- Possible tight score lines like 2‑1 to Newcastle or a 1‑1 draw seem probable.
- Keep an eye on Guimarães for a key assist, and Mateta for a potential goal.
🔑 Final Outlook
Newcastle are favorites with form and home advantage, but Palace’s improving away profile and Newcastle’s defensive struggles set the stage for an entertaining mid-table clash. Expect goals at both ends, with a possible narrow Newcastle win or draw.
