Newcastle United face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday aiming to halt a damaging two-game losing streak. The Premier League fixture, which kicks off at 14:00, sees the Magpies sitting 11th in the table with eight points from their opening seven matches. Their opponents, Crystal Palace, are 14th with six points.

Pierre Sage, the Crystal Palace manager, has taken responsibility for his team's recent performances and expressed uncertainty about his future. "I take responsibility for the team's performance," Sage said, having apologised to supporters after a heavy defeat. His side, currently 14th, have also been inconsistent, with their last five results reading win, loss, draw, win, loss.

Team news and absences

Both squads are depleted ahead of the match. Newcastle will be without thigh-injury absentees Ewen Jaouen, Jacob Ramsey, and Anthony Elanga, while Valentino Livramento is also sidelined. For the hosts, Axel Disasi is suspended and Chadi Riad Dnanou is out with a knee injury. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ben Chilwell, Dean Henderson, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all listed as doubts.

Recent form and key players

Newcastle's recent form of two wins and three losses from their last five league games underlines their need for a result. They have conceded 14 goals this season, the fourth-highest total in the division. Harvey Barnes has been their primary creative spark, creating 13 chances and scoring once in 629 minutes of action. "Barnes has created 13 chances and scored once in 629 minutes, the standout creative outlet in a weakened Newcastle attack," the winger said. Newcastle's defensive midfielder, Sandro Tonali, has been a key figure in possession, completing 93% of his passes.

For Palace, Tyrick Mitchell has emerged as a direct threat from wing-back. "The midfielder has 2 goals and 5 chances created in 601 minutes this season, making him Palace’s most direct route to goal," Mitchell noted. Daichi Kamada, with a goal and three assists, and Yéremy Pino are other key creative figures. Newcastle's last visit to Selhurst Park ended in a 2-1 defeat back in April.

The match is a significant one in the context of Newcastle's standings position, as they look to close a 13-point gap to the top. A win for Newcastle would see them move to 11 points, while Palace could draw level with them on eight points with a victory.