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Newcastle United faced a storm of backlash after losing to Aston Villa. Boos echoed around St James’ Park as social media ran riot.
For the first time in almost five years, the dreaded R word - relegation - came to the fore as genuine concern seeped into the fan base. The dust has now settled. Calmness - do a degree - has been restored. The Magpies travel to Selhurst Park this weekend - a ground they have not won at since 2020.
Matthias Jaissle’s system attracted criticism following defeats to Coventry City and Aston Villa. While wedded to his Red Bull principles, the German may need to play with the hand he has been dealt at St James’ Park.
Those losses exposed deficiencies in the Newcastle squad that he must correct. With the transfer window closed until January, it is up to Jaissle to find a cure to United’s frailties in defence and up front.
NewcastleWorld has profiled a team that the Toon boss could deploy against Crystal Palace on Sunday. The 4-2-3-1 system has gone, with a return to the 4-3-3 setup aimed at activating the muscle memory from previous campaigns.
Jaissle could be boosted by the return of key players who started brightly in 2026-27 before suffering injury setbacks. Take a look at our new-look XI as the Magpies bid to get back on track in the capital this weekend.
5. LB - Lewis Hall
One of the few players who is nailed-on in this team. Hall is comfortably Newcastle’s best player. The tricky test will be whether the Magpies can keep him at the end of the season. | Getty Images
6. DM - Nico Gonzalez
Gonzalez has received mixed reviews from Newcastle fans so far. That is unfair. The Spaniard is never going to be a match-winner but he can be a highly effective cog in a slick-oiled machine. He will improve alongside better players and should operate at the base of Jaissle’s midfield. | Getty Images
7. CM - Sean Steur
The man every Toon fan is calling for right now. Alongside Gonzalez and Hall, he is one of the few Newcastle stars with high technical ability. It is criminal that he did not play a minute against Coventry City or Aston Villa. | Getty Images
8. CM - Joelinton
A controversial choice. However, with young Steur in midfield, Newcastle will need physically. That is Joelinton’s raison d’etre and keeps him in the team. | Getty Images