Crystal Palace v Newcastle United: Match Preview, Team News, Prediction
The 'must win' tag that is often applied to so many games in a season takes on extra weight for Sunday's match against Crystal Palace.
Matthias Jaissle is coming under scrutiny from some quarters and after three defeats and ten goals conceded in his last four games another loss at Selhurst park will increase the media mayhem and pressure on the man in charge.
Match Preview
Both teams go into the game with negative similarities.
Both have suffered heavy defeats in recent games; two 4-1 defeats for Newcastle and a 5-0 hammering at Brighton for Palace.
Both managers, Matthis Jaissle and Pierre Sage, are new and already have their doubters among some fans.
And both desperately need a win to calm their own nerves and those among the fanbase who are becoming concerned even at this early stage of the season.
A defeat for either manager will be met with dismay and a social media outburst, especially if the performance is poor and the defeat is heavy.
IMO this game will get down to three factors;
One: the attitude and confidence shown by each manager during training and squad meeting this week.
Two: the trust and belief that the players have that their manager can turn their form around.
Three: the determination that the players show on the pitch to win the game and the attitude they show even if conceding the first goal.
This game could be won or lost on mental strength more than tactical formations or the quality in each team.
Jaissle in his presser yesterday promised we would see a "different" Newcastle against Crystal Palace and that implies to me that there is a real determination throughout the squad to perform well and win tomorrow.
Team News
Although more players are returning to training Jaissle says there return to first team action needs to be managed carefully to prevent injuries reoccuring leading to even longer periods out of action.
That may mean that the likes of Dan Burn, Anthony Elanga and Pardo, who is recovering from illness, may only make the bench.
I'm expecting Osula and Jo to keep their starting positions and, if Pardo doesn't start, this should give Toure a chance to get on the teamsheet and produce a consistent performance raher than the flashes he has shown.
If Dan Burn does make it, and Jaissle keeps his 4231, then I expect Sven Botman to make way.
Prediction
Unfortunately my 'I wouldn't be surprised at any performance and result' that I have repeated over the last few games has proved accurate and although I was bouyed by Jaissle's performance in his presser yesterday the talking has to be done on the pitch.
As I mentioned earlier, I believe this match will likely be decided on grit, determination, fighting spirit and the support that the squad has in their respective managers.
My belief is that Newcastle's squad is 100% behind Jaissle and knowing their boss is under fan and media pressure will only add to their determination to leave nothing on the pitch tomorrow that could secure a win.
So, my usual fiver is going on a 2-0 win.
And as far as not being surprised at a performance...
I wouldn't be surprised if we cantered to a 3,4 or even 5-0 win.
What is your prediction?
Jezza's Crystal Palace Bingo: Get your team in here.
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My view on Emery is that hes the best manager in the PL. Clearly has an eye for a player and how he sees the player fitting in with his teams playing style. Villa have managed their transition better than us. I put that down to their DofF and Emery. Villas are now way ahead of us and I expect them to go deep in the CL and achieve a top 5 finish. Doesn’t mean we can’t catch them in future seasons but their decision making has just been better and it means there’s a gap to bridge. They have maintained their momentum, we’ve regressed.
Is Emery better than Eddie. Yes, but Eddie still did a fine job for us.…
Ok I'll come back on when things have settled down.
So what is the current thread, it has taken me ages to get to this one., i hate change!!!
And where is the Bingo thread.
Just imagine for a moment. when/if we win tomorrow we will be on the same points as Villa, but above them with a better goal difference! 🤔
How good would that be; especially after/if we put in a good, solid shift, regardless of the team selection based on who is available! 😀
Said it the other day regarding jackson. Wolte and wissa 128 apparences. 15 goals. Jackson now has 18 in 45 apparences since the start of last season.