Newcastle United official starting XI vs Crystal Palace as midfielder given FA green light

Newcastle United’s starting XI is again unchanged for tonight’s Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at St James’ Park (kick-off 7:30pm).

The Magpies beat Manchester United 4-1 on Sunday to move up to fourth in the table. Another win will take them up to third and open up a five-point advantage inside the Champions League qualification places.

United have won their last five matches in all competitions, naming the same line-up for each one. The only change to the squad this evening sees Joe Willock back on the bench in place of 17-year-old Sean Neave.

Newcastle United welcome back Joe Willock after concussion

Willock has missed the last two games after sustaining a concussion in the closing stages of the 2-1 victory over Brentford on April 2.

FA rules state that the earliest return-to-play date for a player must occur 12 days after the initial head injury or seven days if exceptional criteria are met. Now that 12-day period has passed, Willock is available.

“Joe Willock's now back from the concussion protocols so the squad's in good shape as always thankfully,” Jason Tindall confirmed at his pre-match press conference. “We didn't pick up any injuries from the weekend so we go into the Crystal Palace game full of health up to this moment obviously.”

Newcastle United remain without head coach Eddie Howe

Newcastle remain without their Eddie Howe after their head coach was diagnosed with pneumonia. Howe was admitted to hospital on Friday and missed the win over Man United. A club statement on Monday confirmed the 47-year-old is recovering but won’t be present against Palace and Aston Villa on Saturday.

“We had almost minimal contact in terms of preparations but we know the expectations and demands that we put on each other and ourselves each and every day and it's going to have to remain that way until the manager is back,” Tindall said. “But we know what we need to do, we know how we prepare and we need to prepare right to make sure that we can go and deliver performances, as I said, the weekend that the manager would be proud of.

“Obviously it's part of my job and I'll do the best I possibly can in his absence. We've worked together for 17 years now so we know what is expected of each other and hopefully I can deliver the same messages as what he would want and hopefully he'll be back as soon as possible.

“I think when health is involved the most important thing is that comes first and foremost above everything else and I'm sure when Eddie does return he will probably ease himself in to the role but it's important that when he does come back he's able to lead the team like he always does and hopefully that soon.

“It's a day by day thing, but he's in the best possible hands right now and as I say hopefully we can have him here as our leader as soon as possible but only when he's 100% right to do so.”

NEWCASTLE UNITED STARTING XI: Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak. SUBS: Martin Dubravka, Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon, Matt Targett, Emil Krafth, Will Osula, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Lewis Miley.