Three points. Any way, any how. Every point counts for Newcastle United - and a win down at Crystal Palace would go a long way to settling nerves on Tyneside.
Here’s the Magpies XI that I think Matthias Jaissle should go with at Selhurst Park, which has been a graveyard for NUFC performances in recent years.
Lukas Hornicek - GK
He’s been shaky in recent weeks, it’s hard to deny. But, right now, he looks to be the only real, legitimate option between the sticks. Turning to Nick Pope feels nuclear.
Amar Dedic - RB
His defending isn’t his strongest suit, but is definitely at home on the right of Newcastle United’s backline. He gives them a different dynamic in an attacking sense, if fit enough to start.
Malick Thiaw - CB
An awful show in the last two NUFC losses, but hangs on simply for the fact that if Jaissle continues with this formation, style and system, Fabian Schar probably doesn’t have the legs and mobility to cover the ground needed. Can pass a hell of a lot better, mind.
Sven Botman - CB
One of the toughest decisions to make, this one. With skipper Dan Burn waiting in the wings, he may be living a charmed life, but was actually improved in the Aston Villa, although it’s a low base.
Lewis Hall - LB
Dangerously good, and I use that word deliberately. At current levels the England full-back is playing levels above this Newcastle team. And if they keep it up, he will be in the not too distant future. That’s not negativity, it’s just reality.
Nico Gonzalez - CM
Despite Newcastle’s performances getting worse, the former Man City man’s have been improving. If he had a skeleton midfield around him, be interesting to see how good he could be.
Sean Steur - CM
A star of the future. And the club know it. Thing is, Newcastle fans do, too - and they want to see it. Now, not tomorrow. I think a way can be found for him to play with Nico, although I don’t expect Jaissle will.
Yoane Wissa - RW
Doesn’t fit there. I know it. But doesn’t really fit anywhere else either. And with Anthony Elanga not fit to start, we think, and Jacob Murphy not an option, NUFC are short. And Wissa might be able to roll back the clock and go back to his wing days.
Joelinton - AM
Again, looks a square peg in this team, but I will keep banging the drum - he is no option in a midfield two and should be fighting with Joe Willock for this role. No one else is suited. Joelinton can allow Jaissle to plug in to the vertical football idea.
Harvey Barnes - LW
The great survivor in this team, and living off his early season goals. However, has been reasonably consistent, if not brilliant. Always has goals in his back pocket, so plays, on that point mostly.
Will Osula - FW
He has to come back. I am not about to say Osula is the answer. But he is definitely the best one at the moment. Can cause enough chaos to maybe spark something in South London. Could go the other way, of course.
Same as you bar Schar & Burn, for Chaiw & Botman