Matthias Jaissle has decisions to make for this afternoon’s Premier League match against Crystal Palace
Newcastle United’s Dan Burn could come into the side today
Matthias Jaissle has perhaps the strongest squad he’s been able to pick from so far when Newcastle United face Crystal Palace this afternoon. It’s not quite a clean bill of health, with several players not yet ready to start, but with Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey back in the fray, it’s pretty close.
Newcastle need to show signs of positivity after two damaging defeats to Coventry and Aston Villa, but face a Palace side who have their issues . . . and have only just returned from a European clash against Besiktas in Turkey.
Dan Burn, William Osula and Amar Dedic are expected to be available to be named in the starting XI, which will give Jaissle a few welcome headaches when it comes to his selection.
Our team of NUFC writers have picked the sides they would send out at Selhurst Park below, with your chance to name your starting XI.
Lee Ryder
I would be making a few changes to the line-up for the clash at Selhurst Park if players get the green light from the medical room.
Firstly, I’d change the heart of the back four and bring back both Fabian Schar and Dan Burn to offer some stability and organisation, it feels like a no-brainer, although it would be a huge call to bench Sven Botman and Malick Thiaw, and one that could disrupt dressing room harmony, which I suspect is the reason why Jaissle has held off so far.
I’d also have Amar Dedic back in the line-up at right-back and play William Osula up top to give Newcastle a boost in attack. I think those four changes can boost United for this tough but very winnable clash in the capital.
I’d keep Wissa in the team as a 10 and move Toure to the left, and Barnes to the right. Joelinton would stay in the team as one of the holding midfielders.
My NUFC XI: Hornicek, Dedic, Schar, Burn, Hall, Gonzalez, Joelinton, Toure, Wissa, Barnes, Osula.
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Sean McCormick
I can’t see Matthias Jaissle changing his formation but I do expect to see some subtle tweaks when it comes to the positioning of players within it.
Other than that, I would make three changes to the starting XI, on the proviso they are fit enough to start – with Jaissle keeping his cards close to his chest in that regard.
Jaissle needs experienced players implementing his message on the pitch and that is why Joelinton’s return to the starting XI last week was so important.
As soon as Dan Burn is fit and able, he has to come back into the side and same goes for Amar Dedic, who is schooled in Jaissle’s way of working after they worked together at RB Salzburg.
I also think Will Osula could solve a lot of issues up front and if he is fit and able he has to start. Matias Fernandez-Pardo is battling illness but I would like to see him given another opportunity on the right-hand side, even if I think he needs to be taken out of the spotlight up front.
My NUFC XI: Hornicek; Dedic, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Gonzalez, Joelinton; Fernandez-Pardo, Wissa, Barnes; Osula
Stuart Jamieson
Newcastle’s recent wobble is less to do with formation and all about having the right players in the right role. United don’t have a real No 10 but that doesn’t mean an attacking midfielder who can link play is not a good idea.
As I’ve said before, Jacob Ramsey is the perfect man for that position, but presuming he’s not yet fit to start, I’m going for Sean Steur in a more advanced role ahead of Nico Gonzalez and Joelinton.
Will Osula has to start up front to lead the line and give United some direction up top, and I would stick with Matias Fernandez-Pardo on the right, providing he is over his illness. Bazoumana Toure if not.
At the back, Dan Burn has to come in for Sven Botman, although the fact Newcastle are relying on the 34-year-old – great though he is – should be a major red flag.
My NUFC XI: Hornicek, Dedic, Thiaw, Burn, Hall, Gonzalez, Joelinton, Steur, Fernandez-Pardo, Barnes, Osula.
Ross Gregory
Is it the players? Is it the formation? Is it the coaching of both of those? Or even a combination of all three?
Whatever the answer, something has to change. My gut instinct is to bring in four or five of players and tweak the system, though I don’t expect Matthias Jaissle to do the same. I predict he will make two changes and stick with his 4-2-3-1 formation.
But seeing as this is my selection, I’ll be more radical. Out go Lewis Miley, Sven Botman, Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Yoane Wissa and Joe Willock. And yes, I know that’s a lot of Premier League experience but it’s not working at the minute.
In their place I’d start Amar Dedic, Dan Burn, Bazoumana Toure, Will Osula and Sean Steur, with Newcastle playing a 4-3-3 formation instead. Nico Gonzalez at the base of the midfield with Steur and Joelinton either side.
The two players Newcastle are actually crying out for right now in my opinion – Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey – start from the bench, which looks to be a lot stronger.
My NUFC XI: Hornicek, Dedic, Thiaw, Burn, Hall; Gonzalez, Steur, Joelinton; Toure, Osula, Barnes
Pick your NUFC XI
What would do this afternoon? Pick your Newcastle United XI from the squad available below.