Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner identifies Newcastle United's strengths ahead of St James' Park clash

Crystal Palace are in Toon tonight as they take on Newcastle United at St James' Park in a 7:30pm kick-off live on Sky Sports.

This is Newcastle's game-in-hand over the rest of the Champions League-chasing pack and avoiding defeat would see them move into third place above Nottingham Forest on goal difference, while a win would obviously open up a two-point gap. It would even put them within touching distance of second-placed Arsenal. But let's not get carried away just yet, eh?

Newcastle are on a run of five consecutive wins in all competitions while Crystal Palace blew a two-goal lead against Manchester City on Sunday, ultimately losing 5-2.

It turns out that Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner's first task after that thumping defeat was to tune in to Sky Sports to watch Newcastle United batter Manchester United.

Oliver Glasner was impressed with Newcastle's power and energy

The Austrian identified two key components of Newcastle's performance that his Palace side will have to be wary of in his pre-match press conference.

“Of course, we are also considering what we need playing against Newcastle. I watched their game against Man United. They were very powerful, with a lot of energy, especially in their stadium.

“They are playing for a Champions League position at the end of the season. They’re a great team, high intensity, making a lot of sprints, so we will find the right players to compete with them. And this is how we will pick the team.”

Crystal Palace won't be pushovers

At this point, Palace just have pride and a higher position to fight for, but as each position means more money for the club, they will not have switched off yet and will still pose a threat to Newcastle.

Newcastle only managed a 1-1 draw with the Eagles at Selhurst Park so we know they are no pushovers.

However, the contrast in form going into this one and the fact that it's at St James' Park does give the Magpies the advantage you'd like to think.