Newcastle United are in Premier League action this afternoon as they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
It’s been three weeks since the Magpies’ last Premier League match and they need no reminding of the result after being heavily criticised for their Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland.
While a victory in South London won’t make up for the derby loss, it would give United renewed hope in their bid to finish inside the European qualification places.
Eddie Howe has some big decisions to make, including who starts in net between Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope. Ramsdale has started the last six games after Pope’s error in the home defeat to Everton but himself has struggled to impress.
Newcastle remain without Bruno Guimaraes but Lewis Miley’s return from injury gives Howe an extra option in midfield, or even at right-back.
In attack, there is a clamour from supporters to see Nick Woltemade back as the central striker having been deployed in midfield in recent months.
Here’s our predicted Newcastle United starting XI to take on Crystal Palace:
5. LB: Lewis Hall
There was a time Hall was rumoured to be joining Crystal Palace on loan before Newcastle came in for the left-back. | AFP via Getty Images
6. CM: Sandro Tonali (in for Nick Woltemade)
Tonali wasn’t deemed fit enough to play against Sunderland but started for Italy days later. He came through both international games unscathed. | Getty Images
7. CM: Joelinton
A booking would see the Brazilian miss the next two matches through suspension, so he must keep his disciplinary in check. | AFP via Getty Images
8. CM: Jacob Ramsey
It was a slow start to his Newcastle career but in recent months has looked pretty solid, if you forget that mistake in Barcelona. | AFP via Getty Images