Crystal Palace have made the trip to Newcastle United knowing they must stop a team on the back of two consecutive home victories. The Magpies have beaten Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leicester City in each of their last two matches at St. James’ Park and will now be looking towards a top half finish as the season approaches its climax.
Opponents Palace, though, also harness hopes of a securing a place in the top 10 and will be keen on bouncing straight back from their FA Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea on Sunday. Patrick Vieira’s side were far from their best at Wembley and so changes could be afoot in order to freshen it up.
In goal, Vicente Guaita is likely to come straight back into the XI after he was replaced by Jack Butland, who has been Palace’s cup ‘keeper throughout the season. The centre back pairing of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen will remain the same, though Nathaniel Clyne could return at right back after Joel Ward took his place at the weekend.
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In midfield is where arguably the biggest change for Palace will come, as Conor Gallagher is almost certain to come straight back in after missing the cup exit due to being ineligible to face his parent club. Cheikhou Kouyate and Jeffrey Schlupp are likely to complete the midfield trio.
Vieira could also make changes in his front three as Michael Olise returned from injury with an 18 minute cameo against Chelsea. Jordan Ayew will also be pushing for a recall to the XI ahead of Eberechi Eze, who has not started a league game since January.
Predicted Palace line-up (4-3-3): Guaita; Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Gallagher, Kouyate, Schlupp; Ayew, Mateta, Zaha
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