Our first game of 2026 is here, as Newcastle United take on Crystal Palace in today’s 3pm kick-off at St James’ Park.

Newcastle have won eight of their last 10 home games in all competitions, while Palace are without a victory in six; not that Oliver Glasner’s injury-hit Eagles should be underestimated.

Here’s how the two sides line up this afternoon…

Confirmed line ups

Newcastle XI: Pope – Miley, Schar, Thiaw, Hall – Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Wissa, Gordon.

Substitutes: Ramsdale, Trippier, Botman, Livramento, Willock, Ramsey, Woltemade, Barnes, A. Murphy.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson – Clyne, Lerma, Lacroix, Guéhi, Mitchell –  Hughes, Wharton – Johnson, Mateta, Pino. 

Howe has made ONE change from our 3-1 win at Burnley, with Jacob Murphy returning to the right wing in Harvey Barnes’ place. Yoane Wissa starts again, meaning Nick Woltemade is on the bench.

There is also great news from an injury perspective, as Tino Livramento, Sven Botman and Kieran Trippier are all in the squad after a spell on the sidelines.

As expected, we are without the injured Dan Burn, Will Osula and Emil Krafth once again, with Anthony Elanga also absent for the third game running.

For Palace, Will Hughes is passed fit to start alongside new signing Brennan Johnson, but they remain without key players like Munoz, Richards, Kamada and Sarr yet again.

A big chance to make it back to back league wins and start 2026 with a bang. Howay the lads!