Crystal Palace vs Newcastle: Two teams looking to bounce back after heavy defeats

Crystal Palace welcome Newcastle United to Selhurst Park on Sunday, with both sides hoping to respond after disappointing defensive displays in their previous league games.

Both teams have managers still adjusting to Premier League competition, with their expansive approaches attracting criticism after conceding heavily in recent matches.

Palace suffered a five-goal defeat, while Newcastle conceded four against newly promoted Coventry City on Monday night.

Pierre Sage acknowledged the need for improvement, saying: “I prepare the team, that is why I am responsible of what’s happened on the pitch. I have a lot of work to do because I have to change this kind of thing.”

Match preview:

Sage’s side currently have the league’s worst defensive record, having conceded 17 goals, although Thursday’s 2-2 Europa League draw away at Besiktas provides some encouragement.

Jean-Philippe Mateta marked his return with a stunning strike in Turkey, having missed over a month at the beginning of the season.

The Frenchman has scored four goals in his last five appearances against Newcastle, giving Palace another reason for optimism.

Sage praised Mateta’s contribution, saying: “When you have this mindset, when you want to play every ball and you give your life on the pitch, sometimes it's good for you.”

As for the Magpies, they have lost their last two away matches by 4-1 scorelines, but Matthias Jaissle remains optimistic.

The Newcastle boss said: “There were already positive signs in the start of the season, now there’s a setback at the moment and you need to overcome that.”

Head-to-head:

Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last five home meetings with Newcastle, recording two wins and three draws.

Victory on Sunday would also secure consecutive league wins over the Magpies for the first time since a run of three between August 1971 and September 1972.

Palace are also looking for back-to-back Premier League home victories for the first time since April 2025, following their 3-1 win over Oliver Glasner’s Nottingham Forest.

A victory could lift the Eagles into the top half of the table, depending on results elsewhere.

Team news:

Palace are boosted by Axel Disasi’s return from suspension following his red card against Ipswich Town in September.

Chadi Riad remains sidelined with a knee problem, while Mateta is pushing for a start after his Europa League goal.

For Newcastle, Anthony Elanga has returned to training and will be part of the squad.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo should also be available despite suffering illness against Aston Villa, although Jacob Ramsey is expected to remain sidelined.

Predicted line-ups:

Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Benitez; Richards, Disasi, Canvot; Khalaili, Wharton, Kamada, Sarr; Pino, Mateta.

Newcastle (4-3-3): Horníček; Dedić, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Miley, González, Joelinton; Fernandez-Pardo, Barnes, Osula.