Crystal Palace take on Newcastle United this weekend as they look to propel themselves into European contention.
On the chalkboard
The Eagles are currently ninth in the Premier League and could move level on points with fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur if they win and other results go their way.
How exactly, then, do Palace get all three points from Steve Bruce’s side?
Newcastle have been in decent form, drawing 2-2 with Manchester City, and beating Sheffield United and Southampton before their defeat to Burnley last weekend.
Palace, meanwhile, are unbeaten in four, drawing with Brighton & Hove Albion and Watford and beating both Burnley and AFC Bournemouth.
Nevertheless, the Magpies do have some weaknesses.
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Per WhoScored, they have conceded seven goals this season from set-pieces; only Aston Villa have shipped more from such a situation.
Ironically, the Magpies are also very good from dead-ball situations, scoring seven goals of their own; only Liverpool and Bournemouth have scored more.
If Palace are to have any chance, they will have to defend set-pieces well and play for them too.
Newcastle are also vulnerable down the middle, conceding 71% of their shots from the centre of the pitch, and are also easily beaten on the edge of the box; 60% of the shots against them have come from within the 18-yard box.
Did he really play for us?! No Palace fan has managed to name all of these obscure Eagles signings….
Work the ball
Palace need to work their way into the opposition half with swift build-up play.
Wilfried Zaha must be a major player in this gameplan.
He scored against Brighton at the weekend and is a pacey, brilliant dribbler. He averages 4.6 dribbles per game, per WhoScored, and pushing the ball out wide before instructing Zaha to cut inside and either offload or shoot, could be the key.
Newcastle have a decent defensive record, they have conceded fewer goals than Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur from open play this term, but Zaha is a wildcard.
He is in form – he has scored three goals in his last five outings – and will need to be again this weekend.
If Palace are to pick up three more points, they will need the Ivory Coast international at his best.
Meanwhile, Palace could well sell a flop in January.
