Newcastle eye top-half surge as Palace battle six-game winless streak

Newcastle United will look to build momentum on Sunday when they welcome Crystal Palace to St James’ Park, sensing an opportunity to accelerate their recovery against opponents struggling to rediscover form.

Despite contrasting starts to the season, the gap between the two sides has narrowed considerably, with just a single point separating them heading into the weekend.

That context ensures this meeting carries significance beyond reputation, as both clubs attempt to reposition themselves in a congested mid-table race.

Newcastle arrive encouraged by their recent away victory over Burnley, a result that eased pressure after a run of inconsistent league performances.

Eddie Howe’s side have found reliability at home even when results elsewhere have faltered, remaining unbeaten at St James’ Park since September.

The Magpies have taken the bulk of their points on Tyneside this season, with home performances offering greater balance, intensity and control.

While their last home outing ended in frustration after surrendering a two-goal lead against Chelsea, the underlying stability remains a source of confidence.

That confidence is reinforced by Palace’s recent struggles, with Oliver Glasner’s side winless in six matches across all competitions.

The Eagles have endured a difficult spell marked by defensive lapses and a shortage of goals, problems that have undermined the promise shown earlier in the campaign.

Recent trips to Newcastle provide little encouragement, with Palace losing their last two visits by a combined scoreline of 9-0.

Their winless run at St James’ Park now stretches back several seasons, and they have failed to score on multiple recent visits.

Palace did manage to halt a losing run with a draw against Fulham last time out, but that result did little to disguise broader concerns.

They have scored sparingly in recent weeks and have struggled to impose themselves against teams capable of sustained pressure.

There is some comfort in their away record, which remains among the stronger in the division despite recent setbacks.

However, confidence appears fragile, and this fixture arrives at a time when momentum is firmly lacking.

For Newcastle, the incentive is clear, as victory could lift them several places depending on results elsewhere.

The Magpies are aware that home fixtures such as this represent the most realistic route back towards the upper half.

With both sides desperate to climb the table and little separating them on points, the contest is likely to be competitive and tense.

Newcastle will hope their home authority and Palace’s continuing struggles tilt the balance, but nothing is expected to come easily.