Newcastle vs Crystal Palace: Crucial Premier League Clash at St. James’ Park

Introduction: A Vital Encounter for Both Sides

Newcastle United vs Crystal Palace is scheduled for a 3pm GMT kick-off time on Sunday, 4 January, 2026 at St. James’ Park, marking both teams’ first Premier League fixture of the new year. This match carries significant importance for both clubs as they seek to improve their mid-table positions and build momentum in what promises to be a defining month. Newcastle United take on out-of-form Crystal Palace on Sunday, with the Magpies vying to win back-to-back league games for just the second time this season.

Current Form and League Standings

The contrasting fortunes of both sides make this encounter particularly intriguing. Newcastle sit 11th with 23 points from 17 matches, while Palace are three points ahead in 8th. However, recent form heavily favours the home side. Crystal Palace travel to Tyneside desperately searching for a result to end their six-match winless streak, with Oliver Glasner’s men picking up just one point from their last four league outings.

Team News and Injury Concerns

Crystal Palace face a significant challenge with their squad depth. Nine players are set to miss the Newcastle United match, with preparations further hampered by an ever growing injury list, which has clearly had a massive impact on their form. The Eagles’ situation is complicated further by their fixture congestion, having played numerous matches in quick succession. Despite these concerns, striker Jean-Philippe Mateta remains a key threat for Palace.

Historical Context and Key Statistics

History does not favour the visitors at St. James’ Park. Palace have been outscored 9-0 across their last two visits to this venue, suffering 4-0 and 5-0 defeats respectively. Even more concerning for Crystal Palace, they have a poor recent record at St James’ Park, failing to find the net on each of their last five visits in league and cup.

Conclusion: A Season-Defining Opportunity

This fixture represents a crucial opportunity for Newcastle United to establish consistency and build towards European qualification. Newcastle boss Eddie Howe predicts January will be a “season-defining month” for his side, with favourable fixtures ahead including Wolves and Leeds. For Crystal Palace, breaking their dire run of form away at a venue where they have historically struggled will require a monumental effort, particularly given their injury crisis. The match, broadcast live on Sky Sports, could prove pivotal in shaping both clubs’ campaigns for the remainder of the season.