Newcastle aim for 6 home wins in a row as they host Crystal Palace

Newcastle United and Crystal Palace battle it out at St James’ Park with both teams currently level on 37 points in 13th and 14th positions respectively.

The Eagles have the slight advantage with a game in hand and a significantly better goal difference of +3 compared with The Magpies -19. However the host’s home form of five wins in a row, including an injury time winner on Sunday against Leicester City, will give them confidence going into the match.

Indeed the Geordie side haven’t lost at home in the league in over four months since 19 December when they were hammered 4-0 by Premier League Champions Manchester City.

The two sides were originally scheduled to meet exactly one month ago on 20 March. However the match was moved as Crystal Palace played Everton in the Quarter Final of the FA Cup that day instead.

Palace manager Patrick Vieira will be looking for a response following their exit in that competition just three days ago to Chelsea in the Semi Final at Wembley.

“We know how strong they are at home. They have a lot of energy and talent with quality players who can run with the ball, score and create chances. But we concentrate on ourselves to be organised on the field and to play well as a team. I will learn a lot about my players and how we will bounce back after the Chelsea result.”

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will be looking to make the most of home advantage and build on their 1-1 away draw with Palace back in October last year.

“Playing at home is such a unique thing here. It’s such a privilege to play in the stadium and the atmosphere the supporters have created has been fantastic.”

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