Mark Lawrenson reveals intriguing Newcastle United scoreline prediction ahead of Crystal Palace clash

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Joelinton of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park on November 27, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Joelinton of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park on November 27, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 27: Joelinton of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Selhurst Park on November 27, 2020 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Newcastle United are back in Premier League action this evening, when they host Crystal Palace at St James' Park.

Writing his midweek predictions for BBC Sport, pundit Mark Lawrenson backed Steve Bruce's side to claim a narrow 2-1 win.

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Justifying his pick, the Liverpool defender claimed: "Newcastle played really well in their win against Everton. It was a great result, but I was really impressed with the way they got it - they really went for it, for once, and were committing plenty of men forward.

"Crystal Palace also got a good result, a tight win over Wolves, but if Newcastle play the same way again this time then I think they will have more success.

Meanwhile, Lawro's sparring partner for the midweek matches, Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett, tipped the visitors to seal the three points with a 1-0 win.

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He revealed: "I am going with Palace but Newcastle showed at the weekend that they are one of those teams where you never know."

The last time the two sides met, back in November, late goals from Joelinton and Callum Wilson saw the Magpies pull off a dramatic 2-0 win at Selhurst Park.

Historically, Newcastle have a fairly mixed record against the Eagles, winning four of their last ten meetings, and losing on three occasions in a record stretching back to 2015.

As things stand, the Magpies lie 15th in the table with 22 points from 21 games, and will be keen to extend the healthy eight-point gap that currently separates them from the relegation zone.