Newcastle v Crystal Palace: Toon’s hot form

Who to drop: Shelvey, Merino or Hayden? – dailystar.co.uk

Newcastle United are in the top four of the Premier League six-game form table, such is the ease with which they have returned to this level.

Rafa Benitez’s side are odds-against on new betting sites for a top half finish. The ex-Real Madrid manager now has enviable selection headaches, especially in midfield.

Mikel Merino had impressed in the first seven games but he was rested on Sunday, Isaac Hayden and Jonjo Shelvey starring in a 2-2 draw at Southampton. Hayden looked dynamic and scored an impressive strike from range while Shelvey played some good passes into wide areas. Either would be unfortunate to lose their place, yet Merino would be unlucky not to get his place back, so Benitez has excellent depth and competition.

Yohan Cabaye used to be part of Newcastle’s midfield, but he scored Crystal Palace’s first goal in the 2-1 win over Chelsea last week. Wilfried Zaha scored the other to secure a result that gives the Eagles a chance of survival.

Wilfred Zaha and Andros Townsend did well as a front two, completing 16 dribbles between them. Christian Benteke is a good player but – as The Football Lab discussed last month – he doesn’t play at his best when isolated against high defensive lines.

The Belgian was injured for Saturday’s visit of Chelsea and it may not be the greatest coincidence that the team played with more pace in his absence. If Zaha and Townsend keep their places though, they will not have it all their own way against Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune.

The defensive duo provide contrasting qualities, Lascelles bringing the aerial aggression and leadership while Lejeune is a more calming influence. At the other end, Ayoze Perez will hope to build on his lively display at St Mary’s.

Since Benitez took charge, he has made Perez more consistent and tactically aware. The Spaniard makes on average 1.9 tackles per 90 minutes (WhoScored) and, out of possession, he offers as much as any number 10 in England. In possession, the 24-year-old must escape the clutches of Luka Milivojevic and Palace’s midfield.

That quartet competed well against the champions, in and out of possession. However, they did so in a very narrow setup, with James McArthur and Jeffrey Schlupp covering a lot of ground in central areas. They may not be able to do that on a wider pitch like the one at St James’s Park and maintain the same intensity.

Newcastle, who have taken seven points from their four home games this term, might once again thrive on their own turf.

The Football Lab’s Verdict: 2-1