Preview: Crystal Palace vs. Newcastle United

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew faces his former club when his side hosts Newcastle United in the Premier League, with five points separating the teams ahead of kickoff.

The Eagles have been in solid form since Pardew took the helm, and are looking to build on a run of one defeat in six and edge closer to mid-table security.

Palace defeated Leicester City 1-0 in their last outing, but could make several changes from that side with new recruits Pape Souare, Keshi Anderson and Lee Chung-yong in the squad.

Captain Mile Jedinak will be assessed before the match after missing out at the weekend with an ankle problem, while Yannick Bolasie could feature in some capacity after returning from international duty with Congo at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Newcastle named an unchanged side for their 1-1 draw with Stoke City at the weekend, and coach John Carver may continue to keep the faith in that XI, given that they thrashed Hull City the week before.

Siem de Jong could be in contention to feature in some capacity as he edges closer to match fitness, but Cheick Tiote is unlikely to be rushed back into domestic action after helping Ivory Coast win the Africa Cup of Nations.

Palace:

Form in Premier League: DDWWLW Form in all competitions: WWWWLW

Possible starting lineup: Speroni; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Kelly; Puncheon, McArthur, Ledley, Mutch, Zaha; Gayle

Newcastle:

Form in Premier League: WDLLWD Form in all competitions: DLLLWD

Possible starting lineup: Krul; Janmaat, Coloccini, Williamson, Haïdara; Sissoko, Anita, Colback; Cabella, Perez, Ameobi

Sports Mole says: 1-1