Crystal Palace will be bidding to return back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday when they travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United.
The Eagles had endured a mixed start to the season and sit ninth in the table. They were held to a 0-0 draw by Nottingham Forest before the international break, with Roy Hodgson’s side failing to build on their 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Hodgson and co. will be up for a stiff challenge against Newcastle United, who are on a seven-game unbeaten run across all competitions.
Crystal Palace Team News
Jeffrey Schlupp was forced off with a muscular injury against Nottingham Forest and remains doubtful to face Newcastle, while Joel Ward missed that game with a groin problem. Cheick Doucoure, Naouirou Ahamada and Jefferson Lerma could be in the travelling squad to face Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Dean Henderson, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise are expected to be out for some time.
Predicted Crystal Palace lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
With Dean Henderson injured, Sam Johnstone will continue deputising in goal. The Englishman will look to make it three clean sheets in a row on Saturday.
Defence
In front of Johnstone, a back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen and Tyrick Mitchell is expected to start. Guehi and Andersen will look to keep things tight at the back, while Clyne and Mitchell hope to set up counter-attacking opportunities apart from their defensive responsibilities.
Midfield
If none of Cheick Doucoure, Naouirou Ahamada and Jefferson Lerma are fit to start, Hodgson will be forced to go with Jairo Riedewald and Will Hughes in the middle of the park. Riedewald and Hughes will look to add solidity and defensive cover to the side. Riedewald, especially, will screen the backline and create goalscoring opportunities with his line-breaking vertical passes.
Jordan Ayew, who has usually been deployed on the right flank, could take a central role against the Magpies. The Ghanaian may play just off the main striker and knit the game well from the No.10 role.
Attack
Jean-Philippe Mateta will lead the Palace attack again with Odsonne Edouard and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi on either side of him. Mateta and Edouard will look to combine well and create problems for the Newcastle defence.
Rak-Sakyi impressed after replacing the injured Schlupp against Nottingham Forest and is expected to be rewarded with a start at St James’ Park at the weekend. He will be raring to get the better of experienced Dan Burn and create chances for the likes of Edouard and Mateta in the box.