A fortnight on from our frustrating 2-2 draw with Chelsea, Newcastle United are back at St James’ Park.
Our first game of 2026 and the chance to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League, as an out-of-form and injury hit Crystal Palace arrive on Tyneside.
As we get closer to kick-off, here’s the side we think Eddie Howe could go with when the team sheets are released at 1.45pm…
Predicted XI
(4-3-3): Pope – Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall – Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton – Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
I’m backing Howe to make TWO changes from our 3-1 win over Burnley on Tuesday, reverting back to the front three that helped us blow Chelsea away (for 45 minutes) in our last home game.
I believe we’ll see Woltemade back up front, as Wissa still seems unlikely to start two games in a week, and Murphy on the right wing, with Barnes struggling to make an impact down that flank in midweek.
This team would also see Pope keep his place in goal and Joelinton start ahead of Ramsey and Willock once again, joining Tonali and Bruno in midfield.
Livramento, Trippier and Botman all have a chance of returning, it seems, but I think we’ll see them on the bench at best, not thrown straight back into our back four.
The way Gordon is playing, even an in and out Barnes is a better option for me on the left, neither are suited down the right.
Murphy although inconsistent has, to be fair, put more decent deliveries into the box than the two aforementioned so he would get my vote, it is just poor that we have had nobody get on the end of them, that’s where Woltemade needs to improve, and Wissa although early days at least seems to be showing that willingness to get there.
Joseph(Quote)
Joalinton must start.
Jordan(Quote)
“I tried the am i preety test just for fun—it’s interesting to see how it evaluates different features!”
Helena Richard(Quote)