Newcastle United’s predicted starting XI v Crystal Palace as major Sandro Tonali decision made

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is fit and available to face Crystal Palace on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) - but will Eddie Howe thrust the Italian into the spotlight?

Tonali has made world news this week after the Magpies confirmed on Wednesday he is subject to investigation by the Italian Prosecutor’s Office and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in relation to illegal betting activity.

The 23-year-old was first questioned whilst on international duty with Italy before the FIGC announced he was “not in the necessary condition” to feature in Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and England.

The £52million summer signing is facing a potential ban from football but until the investigation reaches its conclusion, he remains eligible to feature for the Magpies.

Eddie Howe said: “Yes, he’s very much with us. He trained twice this week with us and he’s very much available for selection, like I do with all the players, analysing their training performances, how they look, how they feel, and Sandro has trained well with us.”

The Newcastle boss will consider if Tonali is in the right mindset to play against the Eagles.

“He’s had a very, very difficult couple of weeks,” Howe added. “He’s been dealing with a lot and from what I can see - I see him for a few hours a day – from what I can see, he’s handling himself really well and he’s dealing with his emotions incredibly strongly.

“But underneath that, I’m sure there’s a lot going on, so I’ll have to make a call. But always, I have to bring it back to football, I have to bring it back to his training performances and what he’s delivering on the pitch, and then try to make the best decision for the team.”

With that in mind, here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line up against Crystal Palace: