After a tough start to the season Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez will hope his side will bounce back against Crystal palace in what is being geared up to be a make or break game for the win less Magpies...
Newcastle, who are yet to win a single game yet currently sit in 18th and often on teh field looking disillusioned, disjointed and dysfunctional. Should the Magpies want to avoid a relegation dogfight this season a win at Selhurst Park is crucial.
TEAM NEWS:
Newcastle's hopes of pulling themselves away from the relegation zone aginst Crystal Palace look to be even harder with the squad facing an early season injury crisis.
Main man and captain, Jamaal Lascelles has ruled himself out of contention with injury which the Englishman sustained against Arsenal in the Mapies 2-1defeat.
Not to mention French defender Lejeune is also rumoured to miss the match with a long term injury adding to Rafa's defensive worries.
Yet in midfield all seems to be much better with Shelvey, Ki and Diame likely to start in what will be a very physical game in the heart of the pitch.
Up front it appears West Brom loanee Saloman Rondon will not start at least with Spaniard duo Ayoze Perez and Joselu likely to start in Rafa's preferred 4-4-2 formation.
BENITEZ'S COMMENTS:
The former Real Madrid and Liverpool coach has been under serious train from fans and the owner, yet it appeared he only had his eyes on the 3 points stating:
"We want to win. We want to get 3 points in every game, but especially after the start. We should be closer with these teams. It will not be easy, but we have more chance. Our idea is to win, but if we can’t, then a draw is OK."
The 58 year-old also singled out Palace forward Wilfried Zaha as the opposition danger man, yet downplayed any worries he had on his defence facing the former Manchester United man.
"A few weeks ago we were playing against Chelsea & Man City who have XI top players. This is normal for us," Benitez said.
"We know Zaha is a very good player. But we will try to deal with him just as we do other players."
ODDS:
Going into the match Newcastle are the underdogs with Skybet touting Crystal Palace as heavy favourites with 11/10 odds.
Yet one thinks that Newcastle, who have a plethora of experience veterans, young talents and flair players may suprise many despite not sprinting out the blocks.
Whilst the quality of Zaha is unquestionable, a draw looks likely with both sides better going forwards then they are going back.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
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