Newcastle United v Crystal Palace – Can the Magpies bring the Eagles back down to earth?

Last weekend’s absentees Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara, will again be on the sidelines this time out. Both full-backs should be nearing a return relatively soon.

Javier Manquillo started the game at Southampton, with Chancel Mbemba not even making the match-day squad. It is unlikely that the Spaniard will lose his place in the XI.

The only additional injury worry for Rafa Benitez is that striker Dwight Gayle picked up a calf problem during his cameo at St Mary’s. If the former Palace man is not deemed fit enough, then Aleksandar Mitrovic will return to the bench for the first time since August.

Florian Lejeune put in a very impressive display, barring his rash penalty concession, and is in line to start alongside Jamaal Lascelles for the second consecutive time. Ciaran Clark would have to settle for a place on the bench once more.

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Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden was the chosen midfield partnership in the Southampton draw, but new permanent signing Mikel Merino may well slot back into the side. The three have given Benitez a very nice selection dilemma.

Of course, Matt Ritchie will start the game. He, Ayoze Perez and Christian Atsu will take up the three attacking-midfield berths.

Roy Hodgson was delighted with his side’s performance last week, as they finally grabbed their first win of the season against Chelsea.

Wayne Hennessey missed the game, but is back in contention for the trip up north. Whether he is reinstated to the XI or not remains to be seen. Julian Speroni offered a much more calming presence between the sticks.

Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham are both unavailable again. Neither of the strike pair are due to return anytime soon. Palace will therefore be without a recognised front man at Newcastle.

Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend deputised as strikers, and are likely to take up the same roles this time around.

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The Eagles will benefit from the fact that Ruben Loftus-Cheek is available for selection again. The Chelsea loanee was not permitted to play against his parent club. Jeffrey Schlupp is the most likely to sacrifice his place in the starting eleven.

After keeping their first clean sheet of the season, Hodgson will probably name the same back four as last week. Mamadou Sakho will again be partnered by Scott Dann in the heart of the defence.

James McArthur has been arguably Palace’s standout performer this season, and will be a shoe-in to start. Former Newcastle star Yohan Cabaye is also set to play.

Likely line-ups

Newcastle: Elliot, Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Manquillo, Shelvey, Merino, Ritchie, Perez, Atsu, Joselu

Palace: Speroni, Ward, Dann, Sakho, Van Aanholt, Cabaye, Milivojevic, McArthur, Loftus-Cheek, Zaha, Townsend

Score prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Crystal Palace

The game has not been selected for Sky Sports TV coverage. You can also follow the match by tuning into BBC Radio Newcastle's live commentary, courtesy of the official NUFC website.