Newcastle United return to St James’ Park to face Crystal Palace after back-to-back away games.
The Magpies’ undefeated start is over after defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night, but Eddie Howe will have been very encouraged by what he saw from his team.
Patrick Vieira’s side will pose a different kind of threat, which may force the Toon boss to reconsider his starting XI.
With that in mind, here is our predicted Newcastle lineup vs Crystal Palace
Fabian Schar returns to the starting lineup
The big surprise on Wednesday night came at centre-back. Howe rested both Fabian Schar and Sven Botman, opting to play Jamaal Lascelles and Dan Burn at the heart of defence.
We expect that to change against Palace, but it’s Schar who returns to the starting XI and not Botman.
Schar and Burn was the centre-back duo we started the season with, and it was only interrupted due to injury. We therefore expect Howe to go back to that pairing, with Lascelles joining Botman on the bench.
The Switzerland international is more suited against Palace, as it’s a game where we might see more of the ball. His passing out from the back could be helpful, whereas Lascelles was more suited to the Liverpool clash.
Bruno predicted to be on the bench vs Crystal Palace
Bruno Guimaraes has missed Newcastle’s last two games due to injury, but could return to face the Eagles.
Howe has stated that he is close to a return and refused to rule out a possible return this weekend. Hopefully he is fit to play, but it would be a real surprise to see him go straight back into the starting XI.
If there are still some doubts over his fitness, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
That means Sean Longstaff will get another chance in midfield, having played well in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool.
Home Newcastle debut for Isak
Alexander Isak was Newcastle’s star at Anfield, scoring his first ever Magpies goal. He very nearly had a second too.
His next ambition will be a first St James’ Park goal, and he will get that chance on Saturday. The 22-year-old should retain his place in the starting XI, and will get a hero’s welcome from the home crowd.
Predicted XI vs Palace: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett; Willock, Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Fraser, Isak.
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