Proposed lineup vs. Palace: Wilson returns, Almiron and Murphy start

Newcastle United cannot experiment against Crystal Palace as they look to avoid their third consecutive loss.

Newcastle United will be in London tomorrow for their clash against Crystal Palace. Minimal victories and draws is the trend when these teams meet, but the pressure will be on Steve Bruce to turn things around at Selhurst Park after suffering back-to-back defeats in recent weeks.

Crystal Palace will be without top scorer and primary playmaker Wilfried Zaha, which provides Newcastle United with a better opportunity to open up and attack more frequently. Bruce has instructed the Toon to show teams more respect than they deserve this season, but that would be a costly mistake tomorrow.

There is little to separate both teams in terms of quality, and three points are certainly there for the taking, but Bruce must deploy the best players he has at his disposal. Some injuries are still being monitored, but here is the lineup that is capable of delivering three points to Newcastle United in London.

Formation: 4-2-3-1

If Newcastle United want to open up, enjoy more possession, and see their main players get more touches on the ball in the final third, then this shape will allow them to do that effectively against Palace.

Proposed Lineup

There should be no change in goal as Karl Darlow continues to make impressive saves week in and week out to keep the Magpies in games.

The back line in front of him should see two changes tomorrow, though. Javier Manquillo, who is usually a reliable starter, was one of the worst players on the pitch last time out, and Jamaal Lascelles should not rush back after injuring his leg in two places.

That being said, the back four should be composed of Emil Krafth, Federico Fernandez, Ciaran Clark, and Jamal Lewis. The duo in the middle of the park should remain unchanged with Isaac Hayden and Sean Longstaff, unless Jonjo Shelvey is given the green light before the game, then he should be paired with Hayden.

The attacking trio behind the lone striker should consist of Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, and Jacob Murphy. Playing the three fastest players together on the same line will force Crystal Palace to work overtime in defense, especially since Wilfried Zaha will not be available to orchestrate quick counter attacks.

Lastly, Callum Wilson should return to action now that he has recovered from his hamstring injury. The England international was ready to go against Chelsea last weekend, but the coaching staff made the right call and gave him an extra week of rest.

With six goals to his name already, tomorrow presents Wilson with a great opportunity to move even closer to double figures so early in the season.

Recap

Darlow; Krafth, Fernandez, Clark, Lewis; Hayden, S. Longstaff; Murphy, Almiron, Saint-Maximin; Wilson.