The tactical flexibility offered by Crystal Palace's squad leaves Patrick Vieira with a number of key decisions to make before Saturday's trip to Newcastle - read our in-depth preview below.
It was a frustrating midweek trip to St James’ Park last time out, as Miguel Almiron’s first-half goal separated the sides.
Palace’s last victory against the Magpies was in the north-east, however, as Jairo Riedewald and Gary Cahill were on the scoresheet to overturn Jonjo Shelvey’s early opener.
A late Brentford goal provided a disappointing finish to Palace’s midweek exploits, as the Bees emerged with a point from Selhurst Park despite having trailed for much of the second-half.
But there were positives to take, none more so than the sight of another stunning Wilfried Zaha strike in front of the Holmesdale. The Ivorian has started the season in similar goalscoring form to the last campaign, with four goals in as many games.
There was also the return to the starting lineup of Michael Olise, who struggled with injury during pre-season but reminded defences of his terrifying potential as he floated inside and struck the base of the Brentford post from distance on Tuesday evening.
Midfielder Cheick Doucouré was named Man of the Match last time out, and the 22-year-old has taken to life in the Premier League like a duck to water – with his fitness benefiting as each game goes by.
Against Newcastle’s midfield talisman Bruno Guimaraes, the Mali international could be crucial.
Eddie Howe's side have started the season in mixed fashion, their inconsistency personified by racing into a two goal lead against Manchester City before being pegged back for a 3-3 draw.
The Magpies have spent heavily over the past 12 months, including the additions of Nick Pope, Matt Targett, Sven Botman and – for a club record fee – Alexander Isak during the summer window. The latter, arriving from Real Sociedad with a big reputation, could make his debut against Palace and will be keen to make an impact.
There are plenty of options for Patrick Vieira to ponder against Newcastle, particularly in attack. Michael Olise’s return to the side was an exciting one, but he is vying with Jordan Ayew for a spot on the right of the front three, while Odsonne Edouard replaced Jean-Philippe Mateta shortly after the break against Brentford.
Palace have also experimented with a 3-5-2 formation away from home, with Wilfried Zaha and one of Edouard or Ayew playing as a pair.
In midfield, Doucouré, Jeff Schlupp and Ebere Eze have developed a relationship, but in defence there is the flexibility offered by Chris Richards, who can slot in at centre-back or right-back if needed.
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On Palace TV+
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Social media
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The official app
The official Palace app’s match centre and live blog is the place to be for everything you need during the Newcastle clash. With live stats and alerts, a running match commentary feed and lineups the moment they’re released as well as post-match reaction from Palace TV+, there’s no need to leave the app to follow the Eagles’ efforts.