Hornicek keeps his place between the sticks. He made two fine saves against Aston Villa last weekend but will be unhappy to have conceded the goal. With Ewen Jaouen injured and Nick Pope pushed to one side, the Czech international is the safe option between the sticks.placeholder image
Hornicek keeps his place between the sticks. He made two fine saves against Aston Villa last weekend but will be unhappy to have conceded the goal. With Ewen Jaouen injured and Nick Pope pushed to one side, the Czech international is the safe option between the sticks. | Getty Images

£106m duo dropped, Anthony Elanga risked & new formation - Our Newcastle United XI vs Crystal Palace

Charlie Bennett
By Charlie Bennett

Newcastle United writer

Published 23rd Oct 2026, 07:30 BST

NewcastleWorld has profiled the new-look XI that Matthias Jaissle should unleash against Crystal Palace this weekend.

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.

Another one who failed to produce in the recent back-to-back defeats. However, Barnes is one of the only genuine goalscorers at the club. We need to see more from him but he should keep his place for Sunday.

9. LW - Harvey Barnes

Another one who failed to produce in the recent back-to-back defeats. However, Barnes is one of the only genuine goalscorers at the club. We need to see more from him but he should keep his place for Sunday. | Getty Images

Obviously, this pick is based on whether he is fit enough to start. Elanga returned to Newcastle training this week after a hamstring injury disrupted his electric start to the campaign. If fit enough, take the risk.

10. RW - Anthony Elanga

Obviously, this pick is based on whether he is fit enough to start. Elanga returned to Newcastle training this week after a hamstring injury disrupted his electric start to the campaign. If fit enough, take the risk. | Getty Images

The Magpies have used Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Yoane Wissa up in recent weeks. Albeit, to little avail. Osula started the season as the first-choice striker before suffering a foot injury on the opening day. He is fit again - and Jaissle must let him off the leash.

11. ST - Will Osula

The Magpies have used Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Yoane Wissa up in recent weeks. Albeit, to little avail. Osula started the season as the first-choice striker before suffering a foot injury on the opening day. He is fit again - and Jaissle must let him off the leash. | Getty Images

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