The last three weeks could be categorised in two ways. A miserable, Premier League-less period where we’ve not been able to bounce back from that derby defeat, or exactly what we all needed to switch off after a hectic March and reset ahead of the run-in.
However you view it, we’re finally back in action this Sunday, and it’s probably a must-win if we’re serious about salvaging this season. A huge response is needed after that battering at Barcelona was followed by another defeat to Sunderland, and there can be no excuses this time.
We’re back to one game a week, we’ve got a couple of key players returning, and they owe us one, with our final seven fixtures looking largely winnable and there to attack if we can finally find the sort of consistency that’s evaded us for so much of 2025/26.
Sunday’s opponents Crystal Palace are no pushovers, but they did play on Thursday (a 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the Europa Conference League) and may have one eye on next week’s second leg given their Premier League season is in danger of fizzling out.
Heading into the weekend four points behind Brentford in 7th with only seven games left to play, it feels like this has to be the start of a strong finish to keep our season alive, with a place in Europe and potentially Howe’s future on the line.
It’s mixed news on the injury front. Bruno Guimaraes return has been delayed after mumps set back his training plans, while an infection in Fabian Schar’s foot has ruled him out for another month.
Lewis Miley is back after training over the break, however, and Sven Botman has returned sooner than expected, with the Dutchman set to play in a mask after facial surgery over the international break.
Joelinton is on nine yellow cards and will be banned for two games if he’d booked on Sunday, making him one to watch at Selhurst Park.
For Palace, Jean-Phillipe Mateta is set to be rested, meaning former target Jorgen Strand Larsen should start, with fellow striker Eddie Nketiah out for the season.
(4-3-3): Ramsdale – Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Hall – Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton – Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
OUT: Trippier, Burn, Woltemade.
IN: Livramento, Botman, Tonali.
I would like to see Woltemade back in the No.9 role, but I’m expecting Gordon to continue in that position, with Botman back in at centre-back and Tonali returning.
Palace have won five, drawn three and lost one of their last nine in all competitions. They’re a good side who are tough to break down and hard to beat at home, but I think we’ll edge it.
A low-scoring draw would not surprise me in the slightest, however, I think we’ll have benefited from the break and back us to bring home all three points.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Newcastle
Howay the lads!