– Over 2.5 goals has landed in six of Palace’s last seven home league games
– Newcastle have collected 10 points from the last 12 on offer
– Recommended bet: Newcastle to win and over 2.5 goals
An entertaining Premier League affair could be on the cards when Newcastle travel to Selhurst Park on Wednesday to face a confident Crystal Palace.
The Eagles thumped West Ham 5-2 at the weekend, making it back-to-back victories for Oliver Glasner’s troops and moving them 11 points clear of the relegation zone.
Newcastle were last in action on April 13 when producing their own impressive performance to dispatch Tottenham at St James’ Park, running out 4-0 winners to keep themselves in the hunt for a top-six finish.
Team news
Sam Johnstone, Cheick Doucoure, Jefferson Lerma, Marc Guehi, and Matheus Franca are all missing for Palace, who are sweating over the fitness of Adam Wharton after he came off with a knee issue at the weekend.
Newcastle are without the services of Matt Targett, Nick Pope, Miguel Almiron, Callum Wilson, Joelinton, Lewis Miley, Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, all of those being injured, while Sandro Tonali is unavailable.
Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock are close to making a return from their respective injuries, but Saturday’s visit of Sheffield United looks like a more realistic comeback date for the pair.
The stats
Palace are on a two-game winning streak heading into the contest, beating Liverpool 1-0 before sticking five past the Hammers last time out in an enthralling 5-2 triumph.
The Eagles’ last two home assignments have produced a combined 13 goals, while six of their previous seven league outings at Selhurst Park has seen over 2.5 goals land.
Newcastle are on a four-match unbeaten run, winning three and drawing four, and the 4-0 win over Spurs last time out was the eighth time they have netted four or more times in all competitions this season.
The Magpies have scored 69 top-flight goals, just the top four in the division boast better records, while over 2.5 goals has been successful in 11 of their 15 away league fixtures.
Prediction
Palace’s victory at home to West Ham has all-but secured their top-flight status and there will be a more relaxed atmosphere at Selhurst Park on Wednesday night.
But that does not mean the Eagles will be letting up in front of their own supporters and there has been plenty of entertainment in south London of late, with four of more goals witnessed in five of their last seven home assignments.
Having both Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise in the starting XI has helped the Eagles in attack, and the duo will be eager to take on a Newcastle defence that has conceded 32 goals from 15 away outings.
While the Eagles have struggled to keep the goals out, they have been thriving at the other end of the pitch and have racked up 69 goals, the fifth-best record in the division.
Eddie Howe’s side have netted at least two goals in four of their last six away league fixtures and they will be eager to complete the double over Palace, who lost 4-0 in October’s reverse fixture at St James’ Park.