After three weeks away since that disastrous derby day defeat to Sunderland, Newcastle United are finally back in action.
It’s been a long break, as international football was followed by FA Cup action last weekend, but we’re now set for an uninterrupted run-in, with seven league games remaining and plenty of work to do if we’re to end up in those European places.
Today’s opponents are Crystal Palace, who beat Fiorentina 3-0 on Thursday night, and this is how we see Eddie Howe setting up for the 2pm kick-off at Selhurst Park.
(4-3-3): Ramsdale – Livramento, Thiaw, Botman, Hall – Ramsey, Tonali, Joelinton – Elanga, Gordon, Barnes.
OUT: Trippier, Burn, Woltemade. IN: Livramento, Thiaw, Tonali.
Predicted Palace XI: Henderson – Richards, Lacroix, Canvot – Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell – Sarr, Pino – Larsen.
At the back, Tino Livramento is our first choice right-back when fit, and the break should’ve done him some good in that sense. At the back, think we’ll see Malick Thiaw return after his rare benching against the Mackems.
The midfield three probably picks itself on the basis Lewis Miley is only fit enough for the bench, although Joelinton is one to watch now he’s a booking away from a two-game ban. Sadly, Bruno Guimaraes remains out, as does Fabian Schar.
Up top, I would like to see Nick Woltemade back in the No.9 role, but I’m expecting the German to be replaced in midfield by a fit-again Sandro Tonali, with Anthony Gordon in attack alongside Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga, who scored for Sweden during the break.
How do you see us lining up?