Newcastle have a chance to climb back into third place with a result this afternoon at Crystal Palace. Manchester United are just 1 point above with a difficult trip to Emirates looming on Sunday.
Eddie Howe’s team selection is a point of intrigue heading into the match. Bruno Guimaraes has reportedly recovered enough from his ankle injury to make the traveling squad. Allan Saint-Maximin and Alexander Isak will also be itching to start.
I suspect Howe will not risk Bruno for the full 90 minutes. Allan Saint-Maximin hasn’t started in the league since August and will be motivated to impress should he get the nod. I suspect he will with Joelinton moving to the midfield.
This is the team I predict Howe to name this evening with Saint-Maximin in for Guimaraes. The bench would be a strong one with Bruno and Alex available for cameos.
The injury situation looks a lot better if Guimaraes is fit. Both Jonjo Shelvey and Matt Targett are a few weeks away but making progress. Elliot Anderson has returned to training with a chance to make the bench today.
Crystal Palace are in decent shape on the injury front though will be missing starting center-back Joachim Anderson with a calf injury. We could see either James Tompkins or the young American Chris Richards in for the Dane.
Newcastle Injuries
Emil Krafth (knee), Jonjo Shelvey (calf), Matt Targett (heel), Elliot Anderson (calf – fitness test), Bruno Guimaraes (ankle – fitness test)
Crystal Palace Injuries
Joachim Andersen (calf), James McArthur (groin), Nathan Ferguson (undisclosed)
Our poll shows a fanbase brimming with confidence once again. Around 94% expect Newcastle to get something from this match with over 2 in 3 voters predicting all three points.

This is another tricky match against Jekyll and Hyde Palace. A lot could depend on which one shows up. Howe will have the lads primed and ready. Hopefully, three points and another clean sheet are on the way.
137 comments so far
Flurzinho
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:34 PM
Comment #121Bruno starts,maybe that big statue in Rio has something about it.
Fenham to Chalfont
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:35 PM
Comment #122I’m shocked after last weeks picture of Bruno’s ankle folding he is playing. Unbelievable Jeff .
Absolutely buzzing as I thought he’d miss the first leg of the EPL cup. Happy days. Shall I start on the G&T early hmm 😉
Essex Geordie Bill
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:36 PM
Comment #123Bet he’s got it well strapped!
Ashingtoon62
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:36 PM
Comment #124Bruno must be a quick healer?
Flurzinho
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:37 PM
Comment #125Fenham,
Get stuck in mate!
There may be no tomorrow.
Munster Mag
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:37 PM
Comment #126Fenners, no to the G and T ! 🙂
catchy in norway
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:37 PM
Comment #127results going our way so far.
just need a win for the perfect day
Raj of Hailsley
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:38 PM
Comment #128We need Forest to stay up if we want this £15M don’t we?
Ap
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:38 PM
Comment #129Longstaff to blast over in 5th minute both halves 😀
CLINT FLICK
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:38 PM
Comment #130Bruno’s in.
Munster Mag
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:39 PM
Comment #131Good 0-0 draw for my boys this morning against a good team away from home.
Hoping for a draw or better from the Toon
Guessing 1-1
Ap
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:40 PM
Comment #132Non existent attack on left side joelinton more defensive than attacking. Predict 0-0 half time or we scoring 0 first half until saint max and isak come on
Flurzinho
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:40 PM
Comment #133Raj,
I think Forest will stay up, they have a canny manager who won’t be worried about certain games and looks at the season as a whole.
Bills Son Is Back
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:40 PM
Comment #134Ankle sprains can be really painful especially if you go over on the side, but can clear up quickly without any damage.
Surely that’s the case with Bruno if he’s been scanned and playing today.
Mister Tuff
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:42 PM
Comment #135Think Wood has been substituted – he didn’t score.
Those saying he would be getting bucket loads of goals need to apologise to the blog for their mischief and poor understanding of the game.
The Taco Taker
Jan 21, 2023 at 4:44 PM
Comment #136I am sticking with 1-0, Botman to score
magicmac54
Jan 21, 2023 at 5:11 PM
Comment #137This is going to be another very difficult fixture, Palace are so unpredictable and difficult to beat on their home patch, it wouldn’t surprise me if it ended 0-0 but if we score I think we win the game, I think the Toon will be victorious so I predict 0-1 to the Toon HWTL