Crystal Palace boss believes Newcastle have big advantage despite West Ham hammering

Despite Crystal Palace's good form, manager Oliver Glasner feels that the tables may turn when Newcastle United come to town on Wednesday evening.

The Eagles have propelled themselves away from relegation danger with their two most recent performances. First, they became the only team to beat Liverpool at Anfield so far this campaign, then on Sunday dealt a 5-2 hammering to West Ham at Selhurst Park.

It practically ensures their safety with five matches to spare, sitting 11 points above the drop zone. However, with that still unconfirmed Glasner will be hoping his players continue their push up the table against the Magpies this midweek - a task he acknowledges will be difficult given their opponents' extended rest time.

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"The players, how they started the game [vs West Ham] in the first 30 minutes, were really amazing,” Glasner told his club's website after Sunday's victory.

"It was nice to watch for a manager. It was an excellent performance, but now the game is played. The game is played, we have the three points, and it’s our first back-to-back wins of the season.

"Now it’s the third one in a row against Newcastle [we are aiming for], and this will be a big challenge. They will be fresh, so we have maybe the same situation as West Ham today [having played in midweek], a little bit tired legs. Of course, we take a lot of positive things from the game today, but stay focused for the next challenges."

Eddie Howe's men have not played since Saturday, April 13, when they dealt a 4-0 blow to Tottenham Hotspur at St. James' Park. Of course that may serve to interrupt the side's goalscoring exploits, but an 11-day layover between fixtures at this time of the season is not one that many teams can boast about.

Newcastle should have travelled to Manchester United this weekend, however Erik ten Hag's men's involvement in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley against Coventry City meant that the match will be played on Wednesday, May 15 - the penultimate game of the season.

As things stand with six to go, Newcastle and Man United sit equal on 50 points and are both gunning for sixth place. The Magpies goal difference is superior by 16, so they are in prime position to qualify for next year's Europa League.