Eddie Howe must make one critical Newcastle decision vs Crystal Palace, it could save his job
Newcastle are set to take on Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Eddie Howe under increasing pressure at St James’ Park.
The Magpies finally returned to winning ways in the week as they beat Burnley 3-1 to pick up their first victory in four matches.
However, little pressure has been relieved for Howe at Newcastle, with the Magpies still seven points off fourth.
Therefore, a victory is no doubt needed and expected over Crystal Palace to help maintain their push up the table.
However, going into the match, Howe must simply ensure that Harvey Barnes remains in the lineup.
Harvey Barnes has a great record against Crystal Palace
Barnes has struggled for game time throughout most of the campaign to date.
Going into the Palace match, he has only started eight Premier League games, with Howe often preferring to bring the winger on as an impact substitute.
As a result, Barnes has even been linked with a Newcastle exit as he searches for more regular minutes.
- Barnes joined Newcastle in 2023
- He has since proven to be a reliable attacker for the Magpies
- However, in recent months, he has stuggled for regular gametime at the Magpies
Nevertheless, going into the Palace match, the 28-year-old simply has to start.
Barnes has an excellent record against the South London side, picking up six goal contributions in 11 meetings.
This includes a goal from the last time Newcastle and Palace met, with Howe’s side winning 5-0.
Therefore, starting the attacker would give the Magpies the best chance of picking up three points and could easily relieve the mounting pressure on Howe, potentially saving his job.
Barnes’ stats this season explained
When Barnes has played this season, he has usually been good.
According to Fotmob on 3 January, the attacker has been excellent in front of goal, averaging 0.32 goals from 2.49 shots per game.
Therefore, attacking-wise, the Magpies have few players better at the moment.
However, the winger’s creativity needs improving, with Barnes only completing 81.2 per cent of his passes and he is yet to register a Premier League assist this season.
| Harvey Barnes’ Premier League stats this season | Per 90 minutes |
| Goals | 0.32 |
| Shots | 2.49 |
| xG | 0.40 |
| Chances created | 1.30 |
| Assists | 0.00 |
| Passing accuracy | 81.2% |
| Crossing accuracy | 22.9% |
Hopefully, this can change against Palace, as he looks to prove to Howe why he deserves a run in the starting XI.