You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Liverpool" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Sunderland", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Newcastle United vs Crystal Palacepublished at 11:07 GMT 4 January
11:07 GMT 4 January
Crystal Palace are another team I've been wrong about a lot recently - they are on a dismal run, with only one point from their past four games.
I should have thought about it more when I was making my predictions because they are badly missing the firepower of Ismaïla Sarr, who is away at Afcon with Senegal.
Brennan Johnson will add some fresh legs to the Eagles' attack but I actually think Newcastle will run away with this one.
I always fancy Newcastle at home to score and also to run over teams, but this season they have sometimes struggled to put games to bed.
I am backing them to do all of the above this time, however. Eddie Howe's side smashed Palace 5-0 last season, and this should be another convincing win.
Newcastle v Crystal Palace: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:46 GMT 3 January
12:46 GMT 3 January
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United take on out-of-form Crystal Palace on Sunday (15:00 GMT), with the Magpies vying to win back-to-back league games for just the second time this season. BBC Sport examines some of the key themes before the match.
Magpies flourish against back three
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe predicts January will be a "season-defining month" for his side, who will play nine fixtures across four competitions with "minimal rest between games". The Magpies go into the new year buoyed by a rare away success, with Tuesday's 3-1 victory at Burnley just their second league win on the road this term.
But despite racing into a two-goal lead inside seven minutes at Turf Moor, Howe's team were made to sweat. Josh Laurent pulled one back in the 23rd minute, extending Newcastle's run without a clean sheet to 12 league matches, and later hit the crossbar. The result was only secured by Bruno Guimaraes' strike in stoppage time.
While not entirely convincing, the win maintained a notable tactical trend. Newcastle have now claimed 10 consecutive Premier League victories against opponents starting with a back three or back five – a sequence that should inspire confidence against a Palace side committed to a 3-4-2-1 system.
Tiring Palace in need of reinforcements
Tom Cairney's equaliser for Fulham on Thursday extended Crystal Palace's winless streak to four league games, but boss Oliver Glasner was quick to praise the efforts of his players - acknowledging that fixture congestion has taken a toll on his threadbare squad.
"As long as the legs did what we wanted them to do we were OK," the Austrian said. "We have so many games and the squad is quite short of numbers, but they give everything they have. I know these players will give their best in every single game."
At least one reinforcement has arrived, with Brennan Johnson joining from Tottenham for a club-record fee of £35m. The Welshman slipped down the pecking order at Spurs this season, starting just six league games, but he scored 18 times in all competitions last term and could ease the goalscoring burden on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
However, Johnson has yet to score in eight previous appearances against Newcastle in all competitions. Palace, meanwhile, have a poor recent record at St James' Park, failing to find the net on each of their last five visits in league and cup.
Howe on team fitness, 'season-defining month' and Crystal Palacepublished at 11:08 GMT 2 January
11:08 GMT 2 January
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at St James' Park (kick-off 15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Lewis Hall is expected to be fine for Sunday's game, but they will have "a closer look" at him on Friday.
Defenders Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier are "close" to returning, with Howe not saying for certain whether Sunday could be a possibility for either of them. Emil Krafth is a bit further behind in his recovery.
Sven Botman has been training with the group this week so there is a possibility he could be "in and around" Sunday's game.
He said the return of any of the defenders would "boost the squad in terms of numbers" as they've been "very thin on the ground" in terms of back-line options.
Joe Willock "isn't close" to a return yet "but he is improving", so the end of January is a realistic aim for the midfielder to be back fit.
Howe said "January will be a season-defining month" for Newcastle as they play nine games across many competitions "with minimal rest between games."
He said the majority of those being home matches "is a positive" because it is minimal travelling and they have a "really good" home record.
On why it is "season-defining," Howe said: "We're in there fighting and scrapping for every point that we can in the Premier League. It's not been plain sailing, but the points gap is minimal so if we can put a run together then things can change quickly. We haven't been able to do it yet, but this is the moment. Our focus is there."
In response to how the club are viewing the transfer window: "We have a very well-balanced squad when everyone is fit, but if we start to lose players to injury during such a crucial month then it leaves a very different opinion."
On opponents Crystal Palace: "It will be a difficult game because their away form is good and they are a very good defensive team. [They're] solid and tough to score against. It's a game we can do well in if we are at our best level, but it's a game we need to prepare well for."
Who had the best 2025?published at 10:22 GMT 1 January
10:22 GMT 1 January
Nicola Pearson BBC Sport journalist
A normal Premier League season may run from August to May, but what happens if we stop the table now? What if it was only what happened in 2025 that counted?
With the calendar flicking over to 2026, this is the ideal time to check back on which teams have had an enjoyable 12 months and see who had a year to forget.
The top five is an accurate reflection of this season's top five (although it should be noted not all teams have played the same number of games).
Arsenal have led the way this campaign and, after coming up short last season, they will be striving to go one better to finally secure an elusive first Premier League trophy since 2004.
If looking just at the past 12 months, the title would be theirs, despite a number of draws early in 2025.
Having gone through their worst run of form under Pep Guardiola late in 2024 and early into 2025, alongside their initial poor start to this season, it may be surprising to find Manchester City so close at the top.
But a feature of this City side under Guardiola is their ability to recover from less than impressive starts and go on winning streaks - they are currently on a run of six wins in the league.
Aston Villa fans can look also back fondly on 2025, having experienced the return of Champions League football, secured more European football again this term and found themselves in a battle for the Premier League trophy.
They may have had a slow start this season but their general consistency in 2025 and a club record-equalling run of 11 straight wins in the final weeks catapults them into the top three.
Having won the title with ease last season, Liverpool fans can still revel in that achievement. But a drop-off at the end of 2024-25 and a poor run this time around leaves them fourth for the year.
Meanwhile, Chelsea made progress in 2025 under Enzo Maresca, with Champions League football and two bits of silverware, but a lack of consistency in a young team prevents them ascending higher than fifth.
When looking at the next five, there are perhaps some surprises.
With their FA Cup win, 2025 will go down in Crystal Palace's history, and their Premier League form has not been too shabby either as they compete with the teams that have occupied Champions League spots in recent seasons.
No Thomas Frank, Bryan Mbeumo or Yoane Wissa? No problem for Brentford. They may have had a summer of upheaval but that has not stopped the Bees buzzing as they continue to perform above expectations.
After a few years of struggles on and off the pitch, 2025 seems to be the one Everton fans can finally start to look up rather than down with the new stadium and return of David Moyes bringing much-needed stability.
Newcastle may have had a few ups and downs, but they have come good when needed and hold their own in the top six, while Brighton continue to establish themselves firmly in the top 10.
Find out how the bottom half of the table shapes up on the post below
Who struggled in 2025?published at 10:21 GMT 1 January
10:21 GMT 1 January
Now, what about those who may have had a less enjoyable 2025?
Manchester United continue to try to find their feet under Ruben Amorim. And while there have been glimmers of progress in recent weeks, a torrid first half of the year has left them with much room for improvement (and a draw with Wolves to end 2025 only added to the questions).
Bournemouth and Fulham both seem to have found consistency in their ability to be inconsistent.
There have been bursts of form from both, but also bouts of disappointment they might rather forget.
As for Nottingham Forest, 2025 may have been the year they returned to Europe for the first time in nearly three decades, but when it came to results in the league, particularly this season, it has been more of one to forget.
Under their third head coach of the season, they will hope 2026 does not bring the return of Championship football.
Like Forest, Tottenham's 12 months has been memorable for both the good and the bad.
A first trophy in 17 years was secured in the Europa League, but it has been far from impressive in the Premier League, managing just 11 wins from 37 matches and some pressure already building on boss Thomas Frank.
One of the most notable things about the bottom end of the calendar year table is the presence of all three promoted teams, despite two of the three having played a game less than the relegated clubs of last season.
With Leeds nine points better off and Sunderland 17, it highlights the disparity in how well this year's promoted sides have done in comparison to the previous three.
For the Black Cats, it has been a dream return to the top flight, including a recent win over Tyne-Wear rivals Newcastle, and in this season's table they find themselves just two points off fifth.
After overcoming a difficult patch, Leeds are also enjoying their return to the top table, slowly pulling themselves away from the danger spots.
It has been more of a struggle for Scott Parker's Burnley, but they will not lose hope with still half a campaign to go.
After recent successes with European football, domestically things have become a harder watch for West Ham supporters as they struggle to find the balance between good football and much-needed results
Then there is Wolves - and fans may want to look away.
Despite playing 20 Premier League games more, the West Midlands side accumulated only one point more than Sunderland across the year.
A win this term still eludes them and safety in 2026 appears a distant dream.
Check out how the top half of the table looked in the post above
VAR right over Gordon decision against Chelseapublished at 09:58 GMT 1 January
09:58 GMT 1 January
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League's Key Match Incidents Panel voted that video assistant referee (VAR) Peter Bankes was correct not to advise that Newcastle should be given a spot-kick in their match against Chelsea on 20 December.
Head coach Eddie Howe said the Magpies were refused a "stonewall" penalty when Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah barged Anthony Gordon to the ground.
Newcastle led 2-1 at the time, and the game finished 2-2. The club said they would be "seeking clarification" about the decision.
The panel felt referee Andy Madley should have awarded a spot-kick (3-2), but it didn't reach the threshold for a VAR intervention (3-2).
Those in favour of a penalty said "Chalobah makes no challenge for the ball and makes reckless shoulder, hip and leg contact".
But those against believed it was "robust, shoulder-to-shoulder contact with the ball in playing distance".
'An incredible privilege' - how was 2025 for Newcastle?published at 15:37 GMT 31 December 2025
15:37 GMT 31 December 2025
Charlotte Robson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Best memory and why
This one is a no-brainer. Winning a domestic trophy for the first time in more than 70 years was, by some distance, the best moment of my Newcastle United-supporting life. The first goal being scored by Dan Burn was pure poetry. Getting to share that with my best friends and my dad was an incredible privilege.
Worst moment and why
It might be right to say that the worst moment was losing to Sunderland in the first league derby in nearly a decade, but I have deleted that memory from my brain so I cannot. I think it is the Alexander Isak drama over the summer and the realisation that the man who ushered us to cup glory with a second goal had no intention to stay at our beloved club.
If I could drink a New Year's brew with one member of our squad/management it would be...
Jason Tindall (or as we affectionately call him, Mad Dog) and I would ask him a few things. I want to know how he and Eddie Howe navigate their partnership and conferring on the sidelines, and if they ever seriously disagree on the approach to a game. Essentially, please just give me a cup of steaming hot gossip.
The thing that's infuriated me in 2025...
Our behind-the-scenes drama which seems to have overshadowed things somewhat. The transfer saga of the summer is still cited as a reason we have not got going this season, and we have had quite a lot of executive level change. I would like that noise to die down.
My gut tells me 2026 will bring...
More tumult because I am a Newcastle fan. This season has not achieved any momentum and I fear 2026 will be a make or break year for Howe.
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Newcastle winger Cordero joins Cadiz on loanpublished at 14:01 GMT 31 December 2025
14:01 GMT 31 December 2025
Ciaran Kelly Newcastle United reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Newcastle United winger Antonio Cordero is joining Spanish side Cadiz on loan after his temporary switch to Westerlo did not work out.
Cordero had previously been due to spend the season in Belgium after completing a loan move to Westerlo last summer.
But Cordero has since been recalled by Newcastle following a review of loans by sporting director Ross Wilson.
The 19-year-old, who failed to make a single start at Westerlo, will see out the rest of the campaign at Cadiz.
Cordero previously spent a season at Cadiz's academy in his formative years, and also has experience of playing in the Spanish second division from his more recent spell at Malaga.
Cordero joined Newcastle on a free transfer from Malaga back in July and was billed as an "exciting talent" by Paul Mitchell, the club's former sporting director.
2025 - the year dreams came true for Newcastlepublished at 13:25 GMT 31 December 2025
13:25 GMT 31 December 2025
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
The year 2025 will go down as a historic one in Newcastle United's history as the 70-year wait for domestic silverware finally ended.
The 2-1 Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool secured the Magpies' first major trophy since the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 and first domestic success since the 1955 FA Cup.
The party might have started under the Wembley arch, but it carried on in Tyneside for days!
Take a look back at how that special day unfolded.
Image source, Getty Images
The Angel of the North and Millennium Bridge were given a makeover and decorated in black and white as Newcastle prepared to face Liverpool in the final.
Flags were flying high across the city and even dogs were pictured wearing shirts.
Newcastle went into the match on a run of nine successive Wembley defeats, but on Sunday, 16 March there was real belief that it was their time.
They were the underdogs but that was a name tag fans relished.
Eddie Howe's side emerged from the Wembley tunnel to a sea of black and white scarves and tifos and to the roar of the Toon Army.
Image source, Getty Images
It was the local lad from Blyth, Dan Burn, who broke the deadlock just before half-time with a thumping header from Kieran Trippier's corner.
That was Newcastle's first goal in a cup final since 1976 and the scenes in the stands showed just how much it meant.
A second would come in the second half through Alexander Isak, before Federico Chiesa netted a consolation late on for Liverpool.
But that late goal did not matter because Newcastle had done it - they had won the Carabao Cup.
Image source, Getty Images
The party was now well under way in the stands and on the pitch.
Scarves around heads, home flags draped around shoulders and winners' medals worn with pride - the players and staff soaked up every single moment.
It was clear to see how much it meant to everyone.
Image source, Getty Images
Howe and his team wrote themselves into the club history books that day by achieving such a feat.
They also provided thousands of people with one of the best days of their lives.
But perhaps most importantly, they also helped to remind clubs up and down the country that there is still magic in the cup.
Mark: I thought this was our best performance by far excluding the first 10 minutes. Everyone was up for it and we made some brilliant chances yet once again nobody could finish. We need to address this striker situation even if we bring a decent finisher on loan but we're destined for a return to the Championship.
Steve: So disappointed with the first 10 minutes when we left players unmarked and paid the price. Was ready for a heavy defeat which would have been disappointing after a good really effort at the weekend. But their response was brilliant and but for a goalline clearance, the bar and a great Nick Pope save we could and should have come away with a point. The ref bottled a second yellow card with five minutes left and to lose the third as we did was heartbreaking. It was telling that the Newcastle fans were so quiet in the second half. We are down but it's good to see a great team fighting spirit. That's the minimum fans want.
Tim: Best this season at home but need more shooting practice. We need to talk to each other especially in defence as we gave a silly goal away. I can't see us staying up
James: Parker is out of his depths in this league. All too little too late now! Alan Pace sacked Sean Dyche for a lot less. Not to have a win in 10 league games says everything.
Newcastle fans
Larry: Character and the players are playing for the shirt. My only doubt is the amount of times we lose the ball. Overall though, well done to the lads
Keegan: Good first half. Poor second half. Third goal killed it and finally breaking the away game voodoo. Two Premier League home games next and it is crucial to win those and the two FA Cup games.
Chris: It was all about getting the win. So now it's all to play for as we head into a January full of big games. Some of our players now need to stand up and be counted as January will most likely define our season.
Graeme: There's something wrong at Newcastle and to say this was a good display is not right. It was very poor in so many areas and we were lucky to come away with a win. Nice to see Pope kicking it into touch again. Burnley must feel very hard done by being beaten by such a mediocre side.
Gossip: Juventus plot summer swoop for Tonalipublished at 08:38 GMT 31 December 2025
08:38 GMT 31 December 2025
Juventus have little hope of signing Newcastle's Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali in January, but aim to step up their pursuit of the 25-year-old in the summer. (La Gazzetta dello Sport - in Italian), external
Burnley 1-3 Newcastle: What Howe and Joelinton saidpublished at 22:32 GMT 30 December 2025
22:32 GMT 30 December 2025
Media caption,
Newcastle showed character & resilience to record second away win of season - Howe
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, speaking to BBC's Match of the Day: "We needed to win because we knew we were under pressure. I thought the lads responded really well, it was a really fast start. We scored some really good goals and then, us being us at this present time, we made it difficult for ourselves.
"The second half was nervy to a point. There were a couple of moments where Nick (Pope) made massive saves for us. But overall I thought we showed real character and resilience in the second half to get over the line.
"Burnley have got some great players and they scored a great goal, it was an unbelievable finish. That obviously dented us but full credit to the players for the character that we showed in the second half.
"I hope it relaxes us slightly - not in a negative way but in a positive way. We want to play fluent, attacking football which is really good to watch. But you can only really do that when you are in a good mental place and relaxed. Hopefully that settles us down after a difficult period."
On Yoane Wissa's first Premier League start for the club: "He led the line really well with sharp movement. Also moving in behind and he knows where the goal is - that was a typical Yoane Wissa goal. He is in the right place at the right time and it was an important moment for us."
Midfielder Joelinton, speaking to BBC's Match of the Day: "It's a great feeling to score (his first Premier League goal of the season). We've had some good games away from home but we didn't win many of those.
"Today was really important to get the three points and finish the year with a win. It's been a great year and we wanted to finish with a win.
"We started the first half really well and then after the second goal we lost a little bit of control. But I think we could have had more goals. In the end I'm really happy with the three points because that's the most important thing."
Newcastle United have won each of their last seven Premier League meetings with Burnley – their longest winning run against a single opponent in the competition.
Yoane Wissa is the 25th player to score on his first start for Newcastle in the Premier League and the second quickest (06:17) after Sandro Tonali in August 2023 vs Aston Villa (05:38).
Newcastle analysis: Relief on the roadpublished at 22:09 GMT 30 December 2025
22:09 GMT 30 December 2025
Ciaran Kelly Football reporter
Image source, Getty Images
It looked like history was in danger of repeating itself for Newcastle.
Few teams would race into a two-goal lead after just seven minutes against a relegation-threatened side and swiftly look vulnerable.
But Newcastle have only won two away league games since mid-April and no other team have dropped more points – 13 – from winning positions in the Premier League this season.
Just like on so many instances on the road, Newcastle lost control at Turf Moor, particularly in the middle of the park, and the game became increasingly stretched.
Yet, this time, Newcastle survived with the help of Pope.
The visitors eventually found a way to grab a crucial third goal with the help of Martin Dubravka, whose name was repeatedly sung by the away end, after Bruno Guimaraes profited from his late error.
The relief was palpable for the visitors at full-time, but they have to now build on this for the upcoming visits of Crystal Palace and Leeds United to St James' Park.
Who is on the 2025 naughty and nice list?published at 12:36 GMT 30 December 2025
12:36 GMT 30 December 2025
Henry Cowling BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The festive period is decision time over who gets presents in their stocking and who gets a big lump of coal. Some Premier League players may find themselves in the latter category given their disciplinary record across 2025.
One player with the joint-most fouls across the year is a name many probably would not have expected – Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.
Semenyo finds himself at the top of the rankings with 70 fouls committed in the Premier League in 2025, level with Sasa Lukic. The Fulham player is joined on the list by fellow combative midfielders Bruno Guimaraes, Joao Gomes and Moises Caicedo.
It is Chelsea's Caicedo who has the most yellow cards in the Premier League in 2025, with 11.
Lukic, Lucas Paqueta, Tyler Adams, Elliot Anderson and Andre all reached double figures across the year with 10 apiece.
At the other end of the spectrum, Tino Livramento is top of the 'nice' list among regular starters. The full-back has committed just seven fouls across 2025 in the Premier League, four fewer then second-placed Alex Iwobi.
Burnley v Newcastle: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 08:47 GMT 30 December 2025
08:47 GMT 30 December 2025
Paul Birch BBC Sport journalist
There is no doubt 2025 that will be etched in Newcastle folklore as the club ended their 56-year-wait for a major trophy with League Cup glory. Returning to the Champions League was also a seismic milestone.
However, despite these achievements, boss Eddie Howe heads into 2026 despondent at how the year has tailed off for his side.
His 200th match in charge of the Geordies ended in huge disappointment with a frustrating 1-0 loss at Manchester United laying bare his side's struggles on the road.
They have won just one of their nine away league games this season and that 4-1 victory over Everton accounts for a whopping 57% of their top-flight goals scored outside St James' Park.
They had 44 touches in Manchester United's box and put in 46 crosses – both of which were season highs, but just three of their 16 shots were on target as they registered a fifth top-flight blank away from home this season.
Since 19 April, the only ever-present Premier League side with fewer away points than the Magpies' seven is Wolves with four.
"We're finding a way to concede goals when we don't look like we should and we're not scoring the goals that we should at the other end. It's a deadly mix for us," lamented Howe at Old Trafford.
Burnley were also left to rue a lack of a cutting edge in their goalless draw with Everton. They also had 16 shots but not a single one was on target.
The Clarets are the top-flight's joint lowest scorers in home matches this season with rock-bottom Wolves also having notched a mere seven goals in nine games.
They did at least make it two games without defeat, steadying the ship somewhat after their horror run of seven consecutive losses.
But with this match marking the halfway point of the season, Scott Parker knows his side have to turn draws into wins if they are to trim the gap to safety, which currently stands at six points.
Their only victories this season have come against fellow promoted sides Leeds and Sunderland, and struggling Wolves.
The omens for the Clarets are not great given Newcastle's recent record against them.
A Magpies victory would be their eighth in succession against Burnley, which would set a new outright club record for consecutive victories versus an opponent in the top flight, surpassing the seven they had also won in a row against Bury between 1903 and 1906.
Also, Howe has won each of his past two away league matches against Burnley, who he managed between January 2011 and October 2012. He could become the first former Clarets boss to win three matches in a row at Turf Moor.
