Opinion
Looking at the Newcastle team v Crystal Palace.
Eddie Howe and his players are hoping to bounce back.
That West Ham setback having followed on from three very good victories, that cup win over Chelsea and then Premier League victories over Arsenal and Forest.
Hopefully today, the fine margins, finishing and luck, coming back into United’s favour.
So what can we expect the Newcastle team v Crystal Palace to be?
**As a starting point, this was the Newcastle team v West Ham:**
Pope, Livramento, Schar, Kelly, Hall, Longstaff, Bruno, Willock, Gordon, Isak, Joelinton
Eddie Howe gave an injury and availability update on Friday morning.
The Head Coach making clear that Krafth, Lascelles and Botman will not be available for this Palace match.
Whilst for others…
Bruno Guimaraes – The midfielder subbed late in the game against West Ham. Eddie Howe said his (glute) injury is not serious and they would make a decision on Friday after training as to his involvement or not, against Crystal Palace.
Lewis Miley – No injury worries for the teenager but Eddie Howe wanting to give him time on the pitch, so the plan was for the midfielder to play on Friday night for the Under 21s at Whitley Park. As it happened, both Lewis Miley and Matt Target played in last night’s reserves 1-0 win over Palace. So neither will be in the squad today.
Joe Willock – The former Arsenal player suffered a freak injury to his leg in a collision with Sean Longstaff. He carried on to half-time but was then subbed by Eddie Howe. The NUFC Head Coach said that just like Bruno, they would make a decision on Friday as to Willock’s involvement (or not) against Palace, though again Eddie Howe said there was no serious injury.
Callum Wilson – Howe confirming that the striker suffered no adverse reaction against West Ham when getting his first minutes of the season, so he is available for Saturday at Selhurst Park.
Dan Burn is back available after missing the West Ham match due to picking up a one match ban, after a fifth PL booking of the season at Forest.
**Anyway, my take on all of this, my best guesstimate of the Newcastle team v Crystal Palace is:**
Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Bruno, Willock, Gordon, Isak, Joelinton
So that would be two changes.
Burn returning and replacing Kelly, whilst Tonali in for Longstaff.
Burn has been very good this season in the middle and that looks a no-brainer, whilst I think Tonali is due a game and will get his chance.
A chance to confound those who have claimed it is impossible for Tonali, Bruno and Joelinton to play together, despite them having started so few (nine in the Premier League) together.
They didn’t seem to do too bad when smashing Villa 5-1 in Tonali’s first ever NUFC match, nor indeed when playing so well and drawing against Man City this season.
Whilst in the home game against Brighton, I thought the trio were excellent together as Newcastle dominated the opening 60 or so minutes, but just failed to take the many chances that came their way, whilst the Seagulls took that one chance that came their way in the first hour of the game.
Longstaff has done well and played a full part in the three wins in a row. He was ok on Monday as well but I just think he will be the one way to make way and allow Tonali to start.
Of course, this all changes if Bruno’s injury keeps him out, though I suspect he will be fine.
Whilst Willock certainly look fine, judging by the training images the club have put online in recent days.
Now we have a strong bench once again, other changes are possible.
The likes of Barnes, Wilson and Trippier will for sure be starting matches at times in this upcoming busy schedule.
**Newcastle United upcoming matches confirmed to end of January 2025:**
**Saturday 30 November** – Crystal Palace v Newcastle (3pm)
**Wednesday 4 December** – Newcastle v Liverpool (7.30pm) Amazon
**Saturday 7 December** – Brentford v Newcastle (3pm)
**Saturday 14 December** – Newcastle v Leicester (3pm)
**Wednesday 18 December** – [Newcastle v Brentford](https://www.themag.co.uk/2024/11/we-cant-complain-about-newcastle-v-brentford-quarter-final-scheduling-advantage-united-newcastle-united/) (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (Carabao Cup)
**Saturday 21 December** – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)
**Thursday 26 December** – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon
**Monday 30 December** – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports
**Saturday 4 January** – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports
**Wednesday 15 January** – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports
**Saturday 18 January** – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports
**Saturday 25 January** – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)