Palace vs Newcastle - Predicted line-ups and match preview

Newcastle United head to Selhurst Park this afternoon looking to put a difficult week behind them, with Matthias Jaissle in desperate need of a win after back-to-back defeats against Coventry City and Aston Villa.

There are issues all over the pitch at present. Our forward line looks low on quality and lacking in cohesion, midfield balance remains a problem and our defence is far too leaky, conceding eight in our last two away games. 

Another poor performance would only increase the pressure on Jaissle, who continues to call for time and patience. However, we need to see signs of progress and reasons to believe this team is starting to gel, develop an identity and deliver on what's being asked of them. 

Against an out of sorts Palace side who were battered 5-0 at Brighton last Sunday and played in Europe on Thursday night (2-2 draw at Bestikas), there'll be nowhere to hide if we don't respond this afternoon. 

Predicted line-ups

Newcastle predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Hornicek - Dedic, Thiaw, Burn, Hall - Gonzalez, Joelinton - Murphy, Willock, Barnes - Osula.

Jaissle has some important selection calls to make, with Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey having returned to training this week. However, both are expected to be limited to a bench role as they build fitness.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo is also a doubt after struggling with illness and managing only partial training, while Tino Livramento remains sidelined.

Amar Dedic could return at right-back and we are backing Dan Burn to start, bringing some leadership to a side that's been sorely lacking character in recent weeks.

I think Will Osula will come into the starting XI, with Fernandez-Pardo unwell this week and Yoane Wissa struggling since the international break. Jacob Murphy on the right wouldn't be my first choice, but with Elanga only just coming back and Bazoumana Toure struggling for starts, he may be the man Jaissle trusts.

Crystal Palace predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Benitez; Richards, Disasi, Canvot; Khalaili, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell; McNeil, Pino; Mateta.

Palace boss Pierre Sage has decisions to make after his side’s heavy defeat at Brighton, but Axel Disasi is available again following suspension and should return to the starting line-up. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored against Besiktas and could lead the line, while Dean Henderson remains a doubt as he works his way back from injury.

Quinten Timber, Jorgen Strand Larsen, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Chadi Riad are expected to miss out.

Match prediction

Newcastle need to show signs of progress rather than simply ask supporters to be patient, and Palace could be the worst or best team to play right now.

The best because they played in midweek and were battered last Sunday, making them 'beatable', but the worst because there'd be no hiding place should we lose to such an out-of-sorts side who were playing in Istanbul on Thursday night.

That said, I think it may be a draw. Not the result either manager needs, but a low-scoring affair feels likely between two sides lacking in quality up top.

Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Newcastle United