Newcastle United look to extend their 14-game unbeaten run in the Premier League on Saturday when they face Crystal Palace.
The Eagles did Eddie Howe a favour during the week, drawing 1-1 with the Magpies’ top four rivals Manchester United at Selhurst Park.
Now it is Newcastle who are on their way down south, as they prepare to take on Patrick Vieira’s side without star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
The upcoming cup semi final could also influence Howe’s team selection, and this is our predicted Newcastle lineup to face Crystal Palace
No changes at the back predicted for Newcastle against Crystal Palace
Howe might be tempted to rest players ahead of Tuesday night’s League Cup semi final first leg against Southampton, but we expect his defence to remain unchanged.
Newcastle’s back five has been immense all season, and have been particularly unbeatable in recent weeks. The Magpies have kept five clean sheets in a row in the Premier League, while the usual suspects also ensured Newcastle did not concede in cup wins over Bournemouth and Leicester.
There is some concern regarding Kieran Trippier, who was not pictured in training during the week. Hopefully he is fit to start and captain the side at Selhurst Park.
Allan Saint-Maximin replaces Bruno Guimaraes in Newcastle starting lineup
Newcastle will be forced to make at least one change on Saturday evening. Bruno Guimaraes is going to miss the game due to an ankle injury, forcing Howe to shuffle his pack.
Joelinton will revert back to his midfield role, operating on the left of the three. Joe Willock will then swap sides to the right, while Sean Longstaff will take Bruno’s position in the ‘six’.
It is going to be tough without Bruno, but Newcastle have a maverick to replace him. With Joelinton moving inside, that means there is space on the left of attack for Allan Saint-Maximin.
The 25-year-old has not started a Premier League game since August, but that opportunity looks set to present itself this weekend. He will be desperate to impress, having endured a tough season so far.
Eddie Howe rests Callum Wilson against Crystal Palace
With one eye on Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup contest, Howe might be tempted to rest at least one of his key players. Therefore, we believe Alexander Isak will get his first Premier League start at the expense of Callum Wilson.
The £20million man needs to be kept fresh, while Isak deserves the chance to start after netting a late winner against Fulham last time out.
The Sweden international played in the reverse fixture against Palace back in September, missing a golden chance to break the deadlock. He will hope to be more clinical this time and add to his current tally of three goals for his new club.
Predicted XI vs Crystal Palace: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Saint-Maximin.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
