Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Eddie Howe and Newcastle United.
Chris Sutton speaking as United prepare to return to action.
No matches for three weeks and finally Newcastle United set to play once again.
Seven matches now to go and it feels a big one at Crystal Palace in the context of what Eddie Howe and his players hope to achieve in the last six weeks of the season.
Plus of course what then follows.
The BBC Sport pundit declaring: “Eddie Howe needs a strong end to the season but the fact they have lost both derby games against Sunderland, and are below them in the table too, is not really helping him. I certainly don’t think his job should be at risk but there are a few fans who do.”
Both the media and a vocal minority of Newcastle United fans have seen fit to go way over the top on Eddie Howe.
Such a tough season with 12 Champions League matches to contend with, plus another eight in the domestic cups.
Crystal Palace have also had a busy season, but facing the likes of Fredrikstad, Larnaca, Shelbourne, Kups and Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League isn’t quite the same as the challenges Eddie Howe and his side have faced.
Chris Sutton going on to say: “This game is sandwiched between both legs of Crystal Palace’s Europa Conference League tie with Fiorentina and, now they are effectively safe from relegation, I wonder if boss Oliver Glasner will prioritise Europe? That should increase Newcastle’s chances but I’m not convinced by their recent form, especially on the road. They have won on their past two visits to the capital, against Tottenham and Chelsea, but I don’t see them getting three points here.”
The BBC Sport pundit will hopefully be proved wrong today, having predicted a 1-1 draw.
Only Sunderland, Forest and Wolves have scored less than the 33 that Crystal Palace have managed in the Premier League this season.
However, only Man City and Arsenal have conceded fewer goals than the 35 Palace have leaked in their league matches.
Crystal Palace have only scored six goals in their last ten home Premier League matches and only in one of their ten have they scored more than one goal. That came in a 3-2 home defeat to Burnley.
Palace have only won three home Premier League matches all season and whilst they are clearly not a poor team, they are a side that struggles to score goals.
If Newcastle United play (and defend) like they did in the Premier League wins over Man U and Chelsea, no reason why United can’t take all three points today.