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:
This season it’s gone from Pope to Aaron Ramsdale, back to Pope then Ramsdale. Is it time to go back to Pope?
1. GK: Nick Pope (in for Aaron Ramsdale)
This season it’s gone from Pope to Aaron Ramsdale, back to Pope then Ramsdale. Is it time to go back to Pope? | Getty Images
Livramento was woeful in cameos against Barcelona and Sunderland but he may argue that is down to a lack of match sharpness. There’s only one way to build it and that’s start him.
2. RB: Tino Livramento (in for Kieran Trippier)
Livramento was woeful in cameos against Barcelona and Sunderland but he may argue that is down to a lack of match sharpness. There’s only one way to build it and that’s start him. | AFP via Getty Images
A dreadful night in Barcelona led to Thiaw being dropped against Sunderland. He didn’t play for Germany over the international break so will hopefully be feeling refreshed.
3. CB: Malick Thiaw (in for Sven Botman)
A dreadful night in Barcelona led to Thiaw being dropped against Sunderland. He didn’t play for Germany over the international break so will hopefully be feeling refreshed. | Getty Images
Sven Botman is expected to be available but Dan Burn is likely to get the nod with the Dutchman getting used to the protective facial mask he must wear as he recovers from a facial fracture.
4. CB: Dan Burn
Sven Botman is expected to be available but Dan Burn is likely to get the nod with the Dutchman getting used to the protective facial mask he must wear as he recovers from a facial fracture. | Getty Images