Newcastle United are preparing for a defining month as they look to shake off recent negativity and reignite their Premier League campaign, with a crucial home fixture against Crystal Palace looming on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The Magpies, currently 13th in the table but tantalizingly just four points off the Champions League places, are still alive in every competition and determined to turn the tide in their favor.
Lewis Hall, the 21-year-old England defender who recently returned to fitness after a lengthy injury layoff, has joined manager Eddie Howe in calling for a more positive outlook among supporters. Hall’s message comes after a period of online criticism, particularly regarding tactics and performances during an inconsistent run. "If I’m being honest, I’d agree (with the manager)," Hall stated, echoing Howe’s stance. "It’s also about understanding we’ve not been at our best this year but, if you look at the league table, how tight it is, and what we’ve done in previous seasons, we were in a similar position last year, 12th at Christmas, and we then put a run together and that’s what we have to do now."
Newcastle’s recent 3-1 victory at Burnley on December 30, 2025, marked their first league win since early December and injected much-needed confidence into the squad. Hall emphasized the importance of unity, noting, "Any big club there is negative and positive talk about you, it’s about us keeping it tight together and focusing on ourselves, giving the feedback between ourselves." He also acknowledged the supporters’ right to voice opinions but stressed the importance of focusing on internal goals and the manager’s instructions: "All supporters have the right to their opinion. But, for us, it’s about not necessarily listening to it. Sometimes, you can understand where people are coming from. Some other things, personally, I wouldn’t agree with it. I always focus on what I can do and what the manager wants from us a team. That’s the most important, we all listen to him."
The mood inside St. James’ Park remains largely supportive, with fans in the stands backing Howe and his players, even as the team grapples with injuries and a packed fixture schedule. January promises to be a grueling month, with nine games across four competitions, including the Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City and an upcoming FA Cup home tie. Howe has described this stretch as potentially season-defining, and rotation will be key as players return to fitness.
The injury crisis that has plagued Newcastle in recent weeks is beginning to ease. Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier are close to returning from knee and hamstring injuries, while Sven Botman is also on the mend after a back issue. Dan Burn is expected back later in the month, and Anthony Elanga is nearing full fitness. However, Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth remain sidelined with no clear return dates, and William Osula is still several weeks away from action. The injury woes forced 19-year-old Lewis Miley to fill in at right-back, showcasing the squad’s adaptability in challenging circumstances.
Despite the adversity, Howe remains pragmatic about the club’s transfer strategy for January. Newcastle have been linked with teenage prospects such as Kees Smit from AZ Alkmaar and Dayann Methalie from Toulouse, both 19, but Howe has ruled out a major "marquee" signing this month. "Without evading the question, it's about where our squad is at in terms of injuries. So if everyone's fit and available, I think we've got a really well-balanced squad and it would be difficult in January to improve that squad. If we don't and we lose players, especially defensively with the game schedule we have in January, then that leaves a totally different opinion. So I think it's based on that," Howe explained. He further clarified, "'Marquee signing', I don't know quite what that means. I suppose you're taking big financial outlay? I don't think that's the desire in this month for various reasons, because I don't think it's a great month necessarily to make that kind of signing. Any signing that we do make in this window will restrict our ability to do business in the summer, so I think we've got to be really careful that we make the right decisions for the here and now and for the future. We're still in that position where PSR will influence every decision that we make, so that's where we have to be really smart."
Financial prudence remains at the forefront after a record-breaking summer, which saw Alexander Isak depart for Liverpool in a £130 million deal and the club invest £250 million into the squad. While Newcastle have money to spend, the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) continue to shape their approach, making strategic planning essential as they aim to strengthen without jeopardizing long-term stability.
On the pitch, all eyes are on Yoane Wissa, the £55 million striker who has made an instant impact since arriving. The 29-year-old has scored in every game he has started for Newcastle, including the vital win at Burnley, and is being tipped to start back-to-back matches for the first time against Crystal Palace. Wissa’s knack for finding the net—two goals in two starts for the Magpies—has been described as "frightening" in training, and his presence up front offers a potent threat. While his historical record against Crystal Palace is modest (two goals and one assist in eight appearances for Brentford), his current form is difficult to ignore. Newcastle’s top scorer, Nick Woltemade, has not yet started consecutive games but remains a key figure with nine goals in all competitions.
Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, arrive at St. James’ Park struggling for form, presenting Newcastle with an opportunity to capitalize and build momentum. With the squad gradually returning to full strength, Howe faces important selection decisions but is expected to stick with Wissa as the focal point of the attack. The return of Livramento and Trippier will soon offer more options in defense, easing the burden on players like Miley and Hall, who have stepped up admirably during the injury crisis.
As Newcastle prepare for a January packed with high-stakes fixtures, the message from within the camp is clear: focus on the positives, stay united, and seize the opportunities ahead. Hall summed up the prevailing mood, saying, "There is so much to be positive about. Just a couple of wins together in the league and you’ll be back up there. In the Champions League, we’re in a good position. We’ve got the Carabao Cup semi-final and a home tie in the FA Cup next week. As a Newcastle fan, there is so much to look forward to. I can understand why people might not be happy with our performances in certain games, but if you look at how much football there is to play—and we’re still in every competition—then, for me being a fan and for everyone else, there is so much to look forward to."
With the Crystal Palace clash set to kick off a pivotal stretch, Newcastle United’s fortunes remain very much in their own hands. The stage is set for a month that could shape the rest of their season—and the optimism inside the club is palpable, even if the journey ahead promises to be anything but straightforward.