Trio of defenders return to squad as Eddie Howe names Newcastle United side to take on Crystal Palace
Newcastle United take on Crystal Palace at St James' Park today at 3pm (it is Sunday, isn't it?) live on Sky Sports.
Eddie Howe is hoping his team can register back-to-back Premier League wins following their 3-1 win over Burnley.
The Newcastle gaffer welcomes a few players back from injury in defence, but has resisted the urge to throw them in at the deep end and has instead made one change to his attack.
We had expected Nick Woltemade to replace Yoane Wissa in attack, but the DR Congo forward will start his second successive game for the first time as a Newcastle player.
Jacob Murphy comes in for Harvey Barnes
On the flanks is where Newcastle are having problems this season, with Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga both struggling for form, while Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy have been better, but inconsistent.
Last time around, Howe opted to play Barnes on the right with Gordon on the left. The latter has survived to start again today, but Barnes has made way for Jacob Murphy, who we feel will provide a better service for Wissa up top.
Newcastle's bench is looking strong again with the return of Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman.
Crystal Palace hand debut to Brennan Johnson
Brennan Johnson is in from the start for Crystal Palace after his £35 million move from Tottenham Hotspur.
Jean Philippe Mateta also starts giving Palace plenty of attacking threat.
Newcastle's record against Palace is very strong, but as we know, that counts for nothing when that first whistle blows.
HOWAY EDDIE HOWE'S WHAT'S A CLEAN SHEET ANYWAY? MAGS!
