The Magpies are aiming to make it five games unbeaten.
Newcastle United will try to extend their Premier League unbeaten streak to five games when they meet Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this evening.
Eddie Howe’s team put on an outstanding performance against Tottenham Hotspur at St James’ Park, defeating Ange Postecoglou’s side 4-0.
Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon, and Fabian Schar all scored as the Magpies attempt to cut the gap on the European places before the end of the season.
However, they will face a difficult test in London tonight, with Oliver Glasner’s team having won their last two games, including a 1-0 triumph over Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool at Anfield.
Unsurprisingly, few changes will be made from last weekend’s decisive win over Spurs, but Howe must recall one Newcastle player to give himself the best opportunity of winning all three points.
The man to make way against Palace
Despite being a member of a backline that preserved a clean sheet against Spurs, Howe must replace Emil Krafth for the match at Selhurst Park this evening.
The Swedish defender completed 14 passes with a 70% completion rate, winning two of his five duels.
Krafth received a 7/10 rating for his performance from Shields Gazette journalist Dominic Scurr, with the defender forging a strong connection with striker Schar.
Given the recent injury problem in Newcastle’s squad, the 29-year-old has stepped in and delivered some strong performances.
Despite his great performances, he should be replaced by another Magpies player, given how Palace are expected to set up for the Premier League match.
Under new manager Glasner, the Eagles have adopted a 3-4-3 formation, with a strong emphasis on creating opportunities and overloading in wide areas.
6’6 defender Dan Burn has frequently played left-back under Howe this season, but his lack of pace could be a weakness for the Magpies in the crucial match.
The Newcastle-born defender still deserves to start, with Burn moving to a more natural center role alongside Schar, allowing Howe to use another talent in Krafth’s stead.
The man to replace Krafth vs Palace
Lewis Hall, who signed for £28 million from Chelsea this season, has struggled to get opportunities at St James’ Park.
The “quality” teenager, as scout Jacek Kulig described him, has only played 12 Premier League games this season, failing to make the early impact he had hoped for.
However, as the season comes to an end, Howe must give the 19-year-old a chance to establish himself as a regular first-team player the following season.
His energetic and aggressive playstyle would disrupt the Eagles’ system and limit the opportunities they could create down Newcastle’s left flank.
Lewis Hall vs Chesterfield
1 assist
105 passes
97% pass accuracy
1 shot
1 key pass
3/3 successful dribbles
1 tackle won
4/6 aerials won
12/14 challenges wonComposure and quality. Very good debut by 17-year-old Chelsea academy graduate. 🔵 pic.twitter.com/aYmK3dujPW
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) January 10, 2022
Hall, who rates in the top 13% of his European contemporaries for touches in the opposing box, has the capacity to produce frequent attacking possibilities, something Burn lacks, allowing Isak and Gordon to cause more issues in the final third at Selhurst Park.
Given Krafth’s previous success, removing him would be a brave move. However, given how the opponent is likely to line up, it would be an ideal opportunity for Howe to reintroduce the kid to counter the Eagles’ danger.
