Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is set for a challenging team selection ahead of a crucial Premier League clash away at Newcastle United this Sunday, the 4th of January 2026.
Injury Crisis Forces Defensive Reshuffle
The Eagles head to St. James' Park desperate to end a six-match winless run across all competitions. Their squad is severely stretched, with injuries and international duty taking a heavy toll. The situation in defence is particularly precarious.
American defender Chris Richards remains a major doubt with a foot injury sustained in the Carabao Cup against Arsenal. Glasner has confirmed his availability for the Newcastle trip will be "quite tight". His absence could force a Premier League debut for 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot, who would partner Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix in a back three.
This potential change is compounded by an injury to Will Hughes, which may push the versatile Jefferson Lerma from centre-back back into his natural midfield role. On the flanks, Tyrick Mitchell and Nathaniel Clyne are expected to continue as wing-backs, with key man Daniel Munoz still sidelined.
Record Signing Poised for Immediate Impact
Amid the selection headaches, there is a significant boost for the South London club. Crystal Palace have completed a club-record £35 million move for forward Brennan Johnson from Tottenham Hotspur. The 24-year-old Welsh international, who scored the winner for Spurs in last season's Europa League final, has been registered in time to feature this weekend.
Glasner now faces a big call: whether to integrate his new attacking weapon straight into the starting eleven. With Ismaila Sarr at AFCON and Eddie Nketiah injured, Justin Devenny has filled in recently. However, Johnson's arrival provides a timely injection of quality and could see him start immediately on the right side of attack.
Predicted Lineup and Tactical Outlook
Palace are expected to stick with their familiar 3-4-2-1 formation as they seek to climb back into the top half of the table. They currently sit one point and one place above 13th-placed Newcastle.
In goal, Dean Henderson should continue. The predicted backline features Canvot, Lacroix, and Guehi. The midfield is likely to consist of Clyne, Adam Wharton, Lerma, and Mitchell. The major talking point is in the advanced positions, where Johnson could join Yeremy Pino in supporting lone striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta, who has 10 goals this season.
This fixture represents a critical moment for Glasner's side. A positive result at a tough away ground could reignite their campaign, especially with their new £35 million signing potentially leading the charge.
