How many people remember back in 2001 Steve Bruce was briefly Crystal Palace’s manager? He resigned swiftly in order to take over at Birmingham but his arrival in the midlands was delayed when the Palace board took out an injunction to temporarily stop the move. Two decades ago Bruce had a reputation for developing itchy feet but now he is determined to stay put at Newcastle and, with his latest side unbeaten at home since the season’s opening day, looks like doing so. Roy Hodgson’s team flew north without a handful of injured personnel but their hosts are sure to miss the influential, but hamstrung, Allan Saint-Maximin. Louise Taylor
Saturday 3pm
Venue St James’ Park
Last season Newcastle 0 Crystal Palace 1
Referee Simon Hooper
This season G4 Y14 R1 3.75 cards/game
Odds H 6-4 A 2-1 D 11-5
NEWCASTLE
Subs from Elliot, Krafth, Yedlin, Gayle, Muto, S Longstaff, M Longstaff, Atsu, Lejeune
Doubtful Shelvey (calf)
Injured Lascelles (knee), Ritchie (ankle), Saint-Maximin (hamstring, all Jan), Clark (calf, unknown), Ki, Darlow (unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y25 R2
Form WLDWWL
Leading scorer Shelvey 5
CRYSTAL PALACE
Subs from Henderson, Hennessey, Camarasa, McCarthy, Dreher, Lokilo, Wickham, Meyer
Doubtful Van Aanholt (thigh)
Injured Cahill (knee), Dann (calf), Riedewald (hip), Schlupp (groin), Townsend (groin), Ward (knee, all unknown)
Suspended Sakho (last of three)
Discipline Y30 R1
Form LLWWDD
Leading scorer Ayew 4
