The Premier League's first Sunday of the new year features a mid-table clash as Newcastle United hosts Crystal Palace today, January 4, 2026. Both teams are looking to climb into the top half of the table in what Eddie Howe has described as a "season-defining" month for the Magpies.
While Newcastle is riding high from a midweek victory, Crystal Palace arrives on Tyneside desperate to end a worrying winless slump that has seen them slide down the standings.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: Premier League (Matchday 20)
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Kick-off: 15:00 GMT / 10:00 ET / 18:00 EAT
Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne
Referee: Jarred Gillett (Expected)
Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), Peacock (US), beIN Sports
The Storyline: Momentum vs. The Slump
Newcastle United: Fighting on Multiple Fronts
Newcastle enters this fixture in 13th place but with games in hand and a sense of optimism. They secured a vital 3–1 away win at Burnley on Tuesday, proving they can still find the net despite a rotating squad. With a Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City and Champions League knockout football on the horizon, Eddie Howe needs to manage his "lengthy injury list" while ensuring his side doesn't drop points at home.
Crystal Palace: Searching for the "New Year Spark"
Oliver Glasner’s side is currently 11th, just one point ahead of Newcastle. However, the "Eagles" are on a six-match winless run (D2, L4). Their most recent outing was a frustrating 1–1 draw with Fulham on New Year's Day. Palace has struggled for consistency in front of goal, but the potential debut of new club-record signing Brennan Johnson could provide the creative spark they’ve been missing.
Team News & AFCON Absentees
Newcastle United Team News
Out: Dan Burn (broken rib), Emil Krafth, William Osula, and Jamaal Lascelles are long-term absentees.
Doubtful: Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Tino Livramento are nearing returns but may only feature from the bench.
Fit: Lewis Hall is expected to start after recovering from a minor knock against Burnley.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Pope; Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall; Bruno Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
Crystal Palace Team News
Out (AFCON): Ismaila Sarr (Senegal) is a significant loss on the wing.
Out (Injury): Eddie Nketiah, Daichi Kamada, Daniel Muñoz, and Chris Richards are all sidelined.
Debut Watch: Brennan Johnson is expected to be in the squad and could start if his paperwork cleared in time.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Lerma, Lacroix, Guehi; Clyne, Wharton, Doucouré, Mitchell; Devenny, Johnson; Mateta.
Key Stats & Head-to-Head (H2H)
St. James' Fortress: Newcastle has kept a clean sheet in their last 5 home matches against Crystal Palace in all competitions.
Recent Meeting: The Magpies famously thrashed Palace 5–0 in their last meeting at St. James' Park in April 2025.
Palace's Away Form: Despite their recent struggles, Palace has one of the league's top-five defensive records when playing away from home this season.
The "Howe" Effect: Eddie Howe is celebrating his 5th year in charge of Newcastle this month and holds a strong win percentage against the South London side.
Tactical Breakdown: High Press vs. Resilience
Newcastle will likely employ their trademark high-intensity press to capitalize on a Palace defense that has looked shaky under pressure recently. With Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade in form, the Magpies will try to exploit the spaces behind Palace’s wing-backs.
Crystal Palace will likely set up in a low block, hoping to catch Newcastle on the break. The inclusion of Brennan Johnson adds a new dimension of pace to their transitions, which could test Newcastle’s makeshift back four if Trippier and Livramento aren't ready to start.
Match Prediction
Newcastle’s home advantage and superior bench depth make them the clear favorites. Palace is in a "downward spiral" and missing key attacking components like Nketiah and Sarr. Expect a professional performance from the hosts as they look to leapfrog Palace in the table.
Final Score Prediction: Newcastle United 2–0 Crystal Palace
