Newcastle United are tipped to begin 2026 on a high with a home win over Crystal Palace on Sunday – according to former Premier League goal scorers Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton.
Magpies icon Shearer has thrown his support behind his former club to build on their 3-1 victory over Burnley on Tuesday, while Sutton is forecasting an emphatic home success against a Palace side short on confidence.
The Eagles could have new arrival Brennan Johnson in contention after completing a £35m switch from Tottenham on Friday, but they arrive on the back of a six-game winless streak.
United have found consistency hard to come by this season, but they have looked strong on home soil, suffering just two Premier League defeats at St James’ Park so far – against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Eddie Howe may have Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier back at his disposal as both edge closer to full fitness, although Wednesday night’s home clash with Leeds United could factor into his team selection.
Here’s what Shearer and Sutton have said ahead of this weekend’s clash.
Alan Shearer
“It’s tough for Newcastle as they didn’t play well the other night, but to get an away win in any Premier League game is a good thing,” Shearer told Betfair. “Just getting the three points at Burnley was massive for them.
“Letting Burnley back in was a bit concerning, but I’m hoping it’s another away win which gives them belief and confidence going forward. I would expect them to come back to St James’ Park and be roared on to a home victory.”
Prediction: Newcastle win
Chris Sutton
“Crystal Palace are another team I’ve been wrong about a lot recently – they are on a dismal run, with only one point from their past four games,” Sutton wrote in his BBC predictions.
“I should have thought about it more when I was making my predictions because they are badly missing the firepower of Ismaila Sarr, who is away at Afcon with Senegal.
“Brennan Johnson will add some fresh legs to the Eagles attack, but I actually think Newcastle will run away with this one.
“I always fancy Newcastle at home to score and also to run over teams, but this season they have sometimes struggled to put games to bed.
“I am backing them to do all of the above this time, however. Eddie Howe’s side smashed Palace 5-0 last season, and this should be another convincing win.”
Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Palace