Nick Woltemade to start - Two changes as we predict Newcastle United's Starting XI to face Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace are the first visitors to St James' Park in 2026 to take on Newcastle United with a 3 pm kick-off on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

Eddie Howe has hinted that he will have a few players back from injury before Sunday's game with Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman all close to returns.

There's a chance that Howe may throw Livramento straight into the starting lineup, but Lewis Miley has done so well there that we think he'll stick with the youngster to give Tino more time to fully recover.

We do expect some changes to the XI that beat Burnley, however, but these will be at the other end of the pitch.

Goalkeeper

Nick Pope - We're still waiting for a clean sheet. It has been far too long.

Defenders

Lewis Miley - No reason to drop the lad to rush either Tino or Tripps back into the side, he's doing a fine job out of position.

Malick Thiaw - Won't be bothered about the returning defenders; his place is assured.

Fabian Schar - Probably too early for Sven Botman to take his place back from the Swiss defender.

Lewis Hall - Gave us a fright when he rolled his ankle against Burnley, but all signs point to it not being a problem.

Midfielders

Bruno Guimaraes (c) - Bruno never stops, even when he's not playing particularly well, you still want him on the pitch.

Sandro Tonali - Has a lot to prove after a very poor outing against Burnley, but who else do you play instead? Joe Willock? Howay!

Joelinton - Made a solid comeback against Burnley. If he can build on that, he can start to redeem himself after a below-par season so far.

Forwards

Jacob Murphy - Harvey Barnes isn't the answer on the right, and Anthony Elanga isn't fully fit. It's time to revert to Murphy.

Nick Woltemade - We don't think Yoane Wissa is ready to start two games in a row, so alternating will be the way forward for now.

Anthony Gordon - We'd probably have Harvey Barnes here, but this is about what we think Eddie Howe will do, and we think he just loves Gordon too much.

Our bench should look a bit stronger with the aforementioned trio of defenders potentially back in contention.