Anan Khalaili Betting Tips & Predictions

After a positive start to the campaign for Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle have struggled in recent weeks, with defensive weaknesses exposed. In fact, their last two away matches both ended in 4-1 defeats - first against Leeds, then against Coventry. 

Crystal Palace haven’t been much better at the back, and they were thrashed by rivals Brighton last weekend - it finished 5-0 in the Amex, and this selection landed in the opening ten minutes. Over 2.5 goals also landed against Besiktas midweek, as it finished 2-2 in Istanbul. This is a clash between two shaky defensive units, which naturally makes goals a target.

Crystal Palace have won two Premier League matches this season, and neither was particularly convincing. It finished 3-2 at Craven Cottage in September, but the hosts racked up 25 shots worth 3.1 xG, so were fortunate to only score once.

Then recently against Nottingham Forest, Palace conceded 24 shots worth 3.3 xG - both Forest and Fulham cleared this line with ease, recording seven and eight corners, respectively. 

Newcastle have been adept at getting to the byline this season, and they are averaging 5.9 corners per game across all competitions. They will benefit from having the full week to prepare for this fixture, as well.

Harvey Barnes has adopted a much greater role in the final third for Newcastle this season, and he is one to keep an eye on this weekend. Barnes is averaging 2.59 shots per 90 across all competitions, and he has recorded multiple shots in each of his last six straight starts. 

Barnes has shown a greater willingness this season to cut inside rather than stay wide - Lewis Hall is typically the one who keeps width. Because of that, Barnes has been able to pick up much more promising positions in the opposition box, and there should be plenty of chances coming his way at Selhurst Park.

Barnes is also averaging 1.88 fouls drawn per 90 this season, and he was fouled three times by Aston Villa last weekend. He is a strong carrier of the ball, who likes to try and beat his marker. Hall, who plays just behind Barnes at left back, is also averaging 1.44 fouls drawn per 90, and he has won at least one free-kick in each of his last eight starts. 

Both of those players will occupy a similar zone of the pitch as Anan Khalaili this weekend, and the Israeli international is likely to have his hands full on the defensive front. Khalaili has committed a foul in six of his seven Premier League appearances since moving to Selhurst Park over the summer.

Jaissle likes his side to be front-footed in their approach, asking his fullbacks to press forward and join the attacks at every opportunity. At times, that can leave Newcastle stretched, particularly in midfield. Nico Gonzalez has been busy since completing his move from Man City, and he has landed this selection in all five starts for the Magpies. 

Not only that, but Gonzalez ranks fifth out of all Premier League players for total fouls this season, despite only playing 340 minutes of football. He is incredibly aggressive in his duels in the middle of the park, always looking to close opponents down and press intensely, which bodes well for this selection.