Crystal Palace travel to the North-East to face Newcastle United sitting just one point ahead of Saturday's opponents in the Premier League table.

Meanwhile, the Magpies play host to the Eagles having lost out to Burnley last weekend, which represented their first defeat in four outings.

Match preview

While Steve Bruce would have been naturally disappointed with last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Burnley, the Newcastle boss will be delighted with where his side currently sit in the table.

Prior to the setback at Turf Moor, two wins and a draw had been recorded from three matches, helping the Magpies remain seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Bruce will no doubt be looking ahead rather than backwards, but putting distance between themselves and the bottom three was the priority when he replaced Rafael Benitez during the summer.

However, Bruce will see that Newcastle now have a tough run of fixtures, and an extended period with a low return would change the mood at St James' Park.

As it stands, though, Newcastle have recorded just one point fewer than their next opponents, creating the opportunity to move into the top half of the table by Saturday night.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson would have probably hoped to see his team placed even higher given their overall form, but a return of eight points and three clean sheets from four matches will delight the veteran.

In sharp contrast to Newcastle, Palace now have a run of games which they will feel are winnable and have the potential to catapult the club into contention for a Champions League spot.

While Hodgson will call for focus against teams occupying places in the bottom half, there is enough breathing space ahead of the dropzone where Palace can throw caution to the wind.

Just five goals have come from their last seven outings, however, and that will need to improve if the London outfit are to make an impact further up the division.

Newcastle United Premier League form: WLDWWL

Crystal Palace Premier League form: LLWWDD

Team News

Hodgson has plenty of injury worries heading into this game, especially at left-back where Patrick van Aanholt and Jeffrey Schlupp are expected to miss out.

Jairo Riedewald was forced off at half time against Brighton, but Hodgson will hope that the Dutchman can recover from injury in time for the trip to St James' Park.

Gary Cahill remains sidelined, while Mamadou Sakho serves the third and final game of his suspension for his red card against Bournemouth earlier this month.

Andros Townsend is pushing for a recall on the flank, which could lead to Christian Benteke dropping back down to the substitutes' bench.

As for Newcastle, Jonjo Shelvey and Miguel Almiron are closing in on a return from calf and hamstring injuries.

However, given the upcoming busy schedule, Bruce may be against taking any risks with either player from the opening whistle.

With Allan Saint-Maximin still sidelined, Andy Carroll could continue down the middle with Joelinton remaining out wide.

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Dubravka; Yedlin, Fernandez, Schar, Dummett, Willems; Atsu, Hayden, S.Longstaff, Joelinton; Carroll

Crystal Palace possible starting lineup:
Guaita; Kelly, Tomkins, Dann, Riedewald; Kouyate, Milivojevic, McArthur; Townsend, Ayew, Zaha

We say: Newcastle United 1-1 Crystal Palace

While this could be a game where defences are on top, we would be surprised if it remains goalless. Neither team are regulars on the scoresheet, but netting a goal apiece feels about right for this contest.