Newcastle’s coaching staff have significant team selection decisions to make as they prepare to face Crystal Palace. 

There is no scheduled return date yet for Eddie Howe, who remains in hospital dealing with pneumonia. Jason Tindall will once again take charge of the Mags, and has at least one major choice to make following on from the 4-1 victory over Manchester United.

Harvey Barnes’ brace on Sunday made it five goal contributions in five appearances during Newcastle’s five-game winning run, in which Anthony Gordon has been absent for the first four with injury/suspension before returning off the bench against the Red Devils.

Gordon has been first choice on the left-wing all season, however Barnes has become undroppable based on his current form – while Jacob Murphy has also contributed to five in five leaving Tindall with quite the conundrum as Newcastle look to stretch their winning run to six.

“Barnes should be a regular starter”

Harvey Barnes should be a “regular starter” for Newcastle in his competition for minutes with Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy, according to Robbie Mustoe.

Gordon’s being sent off against Brighton before suffering injury on international duty opened the door for Barnes to have his longest run of starts in a Newcastle shirt, which currently stands at five, and you would expect that run to continue with the winger in excellent form.

Football pundit Mustoe praised Barnes’ impact, advocating for his continued inclusion in the team as the Mags continue to push for Champions League qualification.

 “I’ve always liked Harvey Barnes,” he said on the 2 Robbies Podcast.

“Obviously the club and Eddie Howe appreciate what he does. He’s had to be patient. Anthony Gordon is the left winger, and he has not wanted to squeeze those two players in. Harvey Barnes has been a backup player all season to Anthony Gordon.

“Gordon’s been out injured [and suspended]. Barnes has played. He scores. He’s a scorer. He’s powerful, he’s a creator. His crossing is very good. He scores two goals. The second he steams through the middle from a slip from Man United and sticks it in the top corner.

“I think he is underappreciated by Premier League fans in general. I believe in him. I would like to see him as a regular starter. Though it seems like Eddie Howe still likes Jacob Murphy, and there’s no reason not to. He’s a really good player.

“But Harvey Barnes. What a wide player to bring into the front line when you’ve got some injuries or whatever. I think he’s underappreciated. He’s a very effective Premier League winger.”

Newcastle to go unchanged?

Joelinton is the major concern coming into the game with the midfielder one yellow card away from a two-match ban, but his bookings will be wiped after we face the Eagles.

Tindall may consider dropping the Brazilian, with Joe Willock returning from his concussion protocol, but Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali are certain to feature – Joelinton will likely join them, but must avoid the book.

The same back four are expected to be named for the sixth game in a row. Sven Botman is nearing a return and has been back on the grass, but tonight will be too soon for the Dutchman.

A centre-back pairing of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar will continue, both enjoying an impressive season and aging like fine wines. Tino Livramento has been fantastic at left-back and will feature their again, with Kieran Trippier on the opposing side.

Alexander Isak will surely start, and with the form of Barnes and Murphy I would imagine they support him on the wings – Anthony Gordon off the bench, what a luxury!