Newcastle United travel to Crystal Palace looking to ease the pressure on Matthias Jaissle after successive Premier League defeats.
The German got off to a positive start as Newcastle head coach, losing just one of his opening five Premier League matches. However, defeats to Coventry City and Aston Villa last week have raised concerns over his tactics.
Jaissle has only been in the job for less than three months, so the scrutiny may feel harsh. But whatever his feelings, he can help quiet his critics with a victory in South London this afternoon.
Palace manager Pierre Sage, like Jaissle, was appointed in the summer and, like Jaissle, has already come under pressure following last weekend’s 5-0 defeat to rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Eagles sit 14th in the Premier League table, one point below Newcastle in 11th, having conceded the most goals in the division so far.
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up at Selhurst Park:
1. Newcastle United predicted XI to face Crystal Palace
Getty Images
2. GK: Lukas Hornicek
Didn’t do an awful lot wrong against Aston Villa, but doesn’t quite look as confident as he was pre-international break. | Getty Images
3. RB: Amar Dedic (in for Lewis Miley)
The suggestions are he isn’t quite ready to play 90 minutes, but maybe Newcastle can get an hour out of the energetic right-back. | Getty Images
4. CB: Malick Thiaw
Neither Thiaw or Botman have been particularly impressive of late. Another bad performance, and it might be time for Fabian Schar. | Getty Images