Match Preview: Newcastle United vs. Crystal Palace
This will be Newcastle’s third league fixture of the season. The Magpies played Aston Villa to a scoreless draw last weekend. The club did manage a 1-0 victory over Gillingham in League Cup action on Tuesday.
Newcastle will face a Crystal Palace squad still reeling from the sudden departure of Tony Pulis just days before the start of the campaign. Neil Warnock was appointed on a permanent basis mid-week and should be in control of the club on Saturday.
The Eagles will also be looking for their first Premier League victory of the season. The club is yet to record a point after defeats to Arsenal and West Ham United to start the campaign.
Injuries and Suspensions
Alan Pardew will still be without the services of Davide Santon, Papiss Cissé, and Ryan Taylor who are all out with knee injuries. Cheick Tioté has missed the first two matches of the campaign due to a hamstring injury. His status remains uncertain for Saturday.
Siem de Jong made his Newcastle debut against Aston Villa last weekend. The Dutchman appears to have recovered from an earlier calf injury and is expected to be available against Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace currently have a healthy squad. English defender Scott Dann did sit out last weekend’s match against West Ham with a thigh injury but should return for this match. And midfielder Jason Puncheon will be available after serving a one-match suspension.
Possible Tactics
Alan Pardew is once again expected to put his faith in the 4-2-3-1 formation. There should be few changes to the starting line-up as well. Siem de Jong received his first start as a Newcastle player against Gillingham on Tuesday. And he could very well start on Saturday.
This will be Neil Warnock’s first match back in charge of Crystal Palace. He previously managed the club between 2007-2010 when they were still playing in the Championship. It is unclear what plans he has for the club. So far this season, interim manager Keith Millen has used the 4-4-2 formation with Marouane Chamakh and Fraizer Campbell sharing striker duties.
English forward Dwight Gayle scored all three goals in the club’s League Cup win against Walsall mid-week. While Wilfried Zaha, who will join the club on loan this season, should be available on Saturday as well.
Prediction
The appointment of Neil Warnock has likely eased some of the tension that came with the abrupt departure of Tony Pulis. The club did well to avoid relegation last season. They hope that Warnock could replicate Pulis’ magic this season. The return of Zaha will help.
Newcastle United have one point through two matches and have yet to score a goal. However, the club did look promising at times in both matches. The Magpies won both meetings against Crystal Palace last season. Palace have not beaten Newcastle at any level in seven matches.
Newcastle United are getting healthier and appear to be coming together as a club. The Magpies should be able to take advantage of a weaker Crystal Palace squad.
Newcastle United 2 – 0 Crystal Palace
The Spectator's View 
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