Any suggestions that Newcastle United were set for a season of suffering have been firmly dismissed in recent weeks as Eddie Howe’s side have got back to winning ways in emphatic style.
The Magpies made a stuttering start to the campaign, losing three of their opening four Premier League matches, but have silenced critics following a string of impressive results since.
Kickstarted by a narrow win over Brentford, Newcastle have beaten the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain over the last thee weeks, finding their feet both domestically and in the Champions League.
Crystal Palace are the visitors aiming to end Newcastle’s seven-game unbeaten run this Saturday, but the Toon Army will themselves be hopeful of closing the gap to Tottenham and co. in the top four.
Here is how Newcastle could line up this weekend against the Eagles.
GK: Nick Pope – Not at his best against West Ham before the international period and missed out on an England call-up. However, he is still far and away Newcastle‘s strongest option between the sticks and has been solid this season.
RB: Kieran Trippier – Featured at left-back for England against Italy, putting in a decent if unspectacular performance. Grabbed a delightful assist against West Ham before the international break with a wonderful cushioned cross for Alexander Isak.
CB: Fabian Schar – Probably still smiling after his stunner against PSG two weeks ago, but was also part of a Switzerland defence that conceded three to Belarus. Two contrasting games for Schar.
CB: Sven Botman – Missing since the 8-0 demolition of Sheffield United in which he scored his first Newcastle goal, but Howe will be glad to welcome the Dutchman back from injury – not that Jamaal Lascelles didn’t perform admirably in his place.
LB: Dan Burn – Given England‘s left-back injury crisis, Burn may feel he was hard done by after being overlooked by Gareth Southgate, especially given the makeshift team that faced Australia.
CM: Sean Longstaff – Newcastle haven’t lost since he returned to the starting lineup against Brentford in September, with Longstaff even netting twice along the way. The midfielder has thrived since coming in for Joelinton.
CM: Bruno Guimaraes – Lucky to be available for this game given he should have seen red against West Ham. Did feature twice for Brazil over the international period, so may be a little fatigued.
CM: Elliot Anderson – Sandro Tonali will almost certainly be absent after being caught up in a betting scandal, with Anderson a possibility to take his place. The youngster has had a rest over the international period and should be raring to go.
RW: Miguel Almiron – Much like Guimaraes, Almiron was also busy travelling around South America on international duty. How much jetlag might impact him on the pitch remains to be seen, but the Paraguay international has been in wonderful form of late.
ST: Alexander Isak – A brace against West Ham salvaged a point for Newcastle last time out, but an injury kept him out of the Sweden squad during the international break. Howe will be desperate to have him fit, although Callum Wilson isn’t a bad alternative.
LW: Anthony Gordon – The former Everton man has shrugged off a shaky start to his Newcastle career, blossoming on the left flank this season. Harvey Barnes’ injury means he’s a guaranteed starter, especially given his impressive recent displays.
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