Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle — Eddie Howe: Pre-Match Press ...

Newcastle United are set to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, London, on Wednesday in another pivotal match if they want to keep their European dreams alive with fewer than 10 games left in the Premier League campaign.

Crystal Palace is one victory away from avoiding the possibility of getting relegated from the EPL, but they have plenty of time for that still. The Magpies, on the other hand, must make the most of their chances and bag as many points as quickly as possible before it’s too late and the possibilities of finishing the year in the top-7 evaporate.

NUFC was off last weekend due to the FA Cup semi-final scheduling benefiting giving them a break, but they better be locked into Wednesday’s matchup if they want to avoid surprises and ultimately, an upset.

Eddie Howe and his boots have earned 10 points from their last four matches, a near-perfect tally in that span that includes their recent 4-0 victory against Tottenham and just one draw. The Magpies are sitting in sixth place, which would grant them access to the Europa League next season.

Howe’s defensive schemes have improved of late, too, with Newcastle conceding only once in their last 270 minutes of league play. On top of that, the Magpies have not lost at Selhurst Park since February 2020, keeping up an ongoing six-game unbeaten streak against Crystal Palace away from home.

Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk

On the progress of Wilson, who has registered three goals and two assists in his last five appearances against the Eagles:

“Callum has trained really well this week. It’s been really good to have him back (with) the energy and quality that he brings.

“He’s been able to, during the period has been out, focus on his legs, running and fitness so he has come back looking really good. We anticipate he will be able to hit the ground running and make a difference for us.

“I don’t think Callum necessarily has a point to prove in terms of his ability and what he can deliver. That’s undoubted. We’d love him to stay fit for a long period of time and to be able to execute that on a consistent basis.”

On Willock, who made six league outings before sustaining an achilles injury against Fulham earlier this month:

“With Joe, we all have decided that a period where he strengthens the area around his achilles would benefit him more.

“He could have carried on playing but I think the longer term view was taken to get him right for next season. Surgery wouldn’t be beneficial to his situation. The achilles is improving well from the original injury that he had but we hope that, with rest and strengthening, he will be fine.

“It is a big frustration for Joe. He is desperate to play but, most importantly, desperate to go into games feeling good with his body and that’s a challenge for any player. Hopefully, we can get to the situation where he is feeling athletically at his best.”

On Lewis Miley’s injury:

“The decision was made on Lewis to look at his long-term future and try to protect him. We won’t see Lewis again this season. He’s done brilliantly but I think with the back problem he has, rest is the right way for us to go.

“Even if there was a chance, we took that away very early with his age, we are just thinking about his long-term prospect.”

On the break in games ahead of Wednesday’s clash at Selhurst Park:

“The players had a couple of days off after the Tottenham game. I was adamant after the Manchester City game that the break was a really good thing for us. After Spurs, you’re thinking you want to play straightaway because the feeling of the group is so good.

“We have tried to use the time productively, getting some good training work into the lads, who are feeling good about themselves, but not lose our rhythm.

“We have tried to keep that as consistent as we can.”

On facing Palace, who currently occupy 14th place in the English top-flight:

“They have had two very good performances and I think that has been coming for them. They have been playing very well and maybe not getting the results they deserved.

“Credit to the new manager who has come in and instantly played a new system that has got the best out of the players they have.

“It gives them a good platform to express themselves and I think, for us, we can’t underestimate this is going to be a difficult game against a team in form.”

On the form of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, who both have 18 goal involvements in the Premier League so far this term:

“I think it gives the whole team confidence and it filters down when you have your attacking players in form.

“When you add Harvey, who has come back from his respective injury in a good place, and Elliot Anderson who has also come back from injury but also looking really good, we have flexibility and strength from an attacking side which is great to see.”

Howay!