- Chris Sutton predicts Crystal Palace vs Newcastle
- Thinks Glasner will have eye on Florence
- Eagles boss has ruled out massive rotation
Chris Sutton has given his prediction for Crystal Palace’s encounter with Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday (April 12th). Oliver Glasner’s men are coming off the back of their most famous European night thus far.
A 3-0 win over Fiorentina has firmly put the Conference League quarter-final tie in the Eagles’ hands. They travel to Florence next Thursday, looking to complete the job done.
Before that, Palace host a Newcastle side in dire need of a positive result amid a dismal March. Eddie Howe is feeling the heat following an 8-3 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League Round of 16 and a 2-1 loss at home to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear derby.
Sutton Predicts
Palace’s performance midweek was just as important as the result. They dominated proceedings and Jean-Philippe Mateta was even back on the scoresheet.
Glasner has confirmed that Mateta won’t start against the Magpies and Jorgen Strand Larsen will instead lead the line. It remains to be seen whether he’s prioritising the Frenchman for the away game against Fiorentina.
Sutton alluded to the fixture coming in between the Conference League quarter-final tie. He said in his BBC Sport column:
“This game is sandwiched between both legs of Crystal Palace’s Europa Conference tie with Fiorentina and, now that they are effectively safe from relegation, I wonder if Eagles boss Oliver Glasner will prioritise Europe?”
Sutton feels that if Glasner focuses on the Fiorentina game, it will help Howe’s men. But he still isn’t sure they can get back to winning ways:
That should increase Newcastle’s chances, but I am 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.“
Sutton added:
“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.”
Sutton’s prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle
Glasner Gives Crystal Palace Team News
Palace’s win over Fiorentina didn’t go without issues as Evann Guessand picked up a knock during the victory at Selhurst Park. The Ivorian has been in fine form since arriving on loan from Aston Villa in January.
Glasner gave an update on Guessand ahead of the Newcastle game (via the club’s official website):
“We have to assess Evann Guessand’s knee. He got a hit, and let’s see – he could walk. He didn’t limp when he left the game after the final whistle.”
Glasner then seemed to suggest he’ll be going with Strand Larsen against the Magpies:
“Of course, we have to see how JP Mateta’s knee reacts, but therefore, Jorgen Strand Larsen comes back, and then Christantus Uche comes back, so we’ll have two more attacking options, and that’s good.“
The Austrian ruled out ‘massively rotating’ because he feels his players are “fresher now.” He’s eager for his troops to deliver a strong performance before such an important game in Florence.
