Today’s game between Newcastle United and Crystal Palace is a golden opportunity for Eddie Howe’s side to bounce back from a mixed December and get 2026 off to the perfect start.

After the questionable performance (but precious win) against Burnley at Turf Moor, we have to back that up with another three points in what promises to be a season-defining month on Tyneside.

It‘s the first time we play Oliver Glasner’s side this season, and we enjoyed taking four points against them last campaign, including a resounding 5-0 win back in April against the eventual FA Cup winners.

And whilst we could have three players back in Tino Livramento, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier, we may have a big advantage considering Palace’s growing list of absentees…

A great time to play Palace?

Crystal Palace could be missing as many as EIGHT first team stars for the game at St James’ Park today.

Daniel Munoz is the main absentee, as the Colombian is still battling a knee injury, and Nathaniel Clyne will most likely start out wide for the Eagles in his place.

Alongside Munoz, each of Eddie Nketiah (muscle), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Daichi Kamada (hamstring) and Chadi Riad (knee) are also set to miss out. Ismaila Sarr, meanwhile, is still on AFCON duty with Senegal.

There’s also a pair of doubts which further add to Glasner’s selection headache, as centre-back Chris Richards (foot) and midfielder Will Hughes (hamstring), who limped off against Fulham, are struggling to be fit in time.

Not only could eight players miss out, we’ve had 48 hours extra rest from the midweek fixtures, with Palace playing on Thursday night against Fulham; two days after our 3-1 win at Burnley.

Glasner: We’re in survival mode

We’re coming into Sunday afternoon’s game on the back of a win, meanwhile Palace are winless in their last six in all competitions, and looked toothless in their 1-1 draw against Fulham on Thursday.

It’s not all panic for Glasner just yet, but the Austrian had some damning comments on his side’s recent performances after the London derby.

“We are a little bit in survival mode.

“We have three more games in the next nine days and I don’t expect many players back (for Newcastle).

“So it’s up to us to keep going.”

The first of nine frankly must-win games to come in January, this is arguably the most favourable game in our entire schedule with the likes of Aston Villa, PSG and Liverpool to come. All three points against an injury-ridden Palace isn’t just an expectation, it’s a necessity.