Has there been a better weekend all season for making the trip to Tyneside?
Newcastle are a team on the slide. Their form is dodgy, they have injuries and suspensions galore and they have absolutely nothing to play for.
Palace are the polar opposite. We have virtually no injuries, we’re on a high after despatching with Liverpool last week and, of course, every match between now and the end of the season is a Cup Final for us.
So, on paper, it all looks good for Palace. Which, as every Eagles fans know, means we’ll probably lose 4-0.
Iain Dowie will entertain no such pessimism, however, and he will be delighted to have all of last week’s scouse-beating heroes available for this crucial clash.
The 4-5-1 formation that grabbed that massive 1-0 win is sure to be deployed again tomorrow as Palace look to heap the pressure on the three teams below us in the table. Nicola Ventola will likely be on the bench again – though don’t expect to see him making an appearance unless we are chasing the game in the last 20 minutes or so.
Newcastle picked up yet another injury during the week when England midfielder Kieron Dyer did his hamstring. Nicky Butt, Jermaine Jenas, Aaron Hughes, Titus Bramble and Celestine Babayaro are all out as well – and Lee Bowyer is still suspended.
Shola Ameobi and Patrick Kluivert are still not ready for first-team action – so the Magpies will probably opt for a 4-5-1 as well, with Alan Shearer up front trying to prove his legs haven’t gone.
A win here might give us the chance of ensuring safety in next week’s home clash with Southampton. Come on Palace!!
Probable Palace XI:
Kiraly
Sorondo Popovic Hall Granville
Routledge Leigertwood Hughes Riihilahti Soares
Johnson