The Magpies welcome Patrick Vieira's men to Tyneside (3pm kick-off) just a few days on from a dramatic night at Anfield which saw Alexander Isak net a debut goal before the hosts fought back to win thanks to Roberto Firmino and Fabio Carvalho's 98th-minute clincher.

United felt hard done by after their Merseyside trip but head coach Howe says he's happy to back at home after three consecutive away games - and wants a similar intensity from his charges when the Eagles come to town.

Here's some of the other key points addressed by Howe in his pre-match media briefing on Friday morning...

On being back at St. James' Park and his team's "physical performance" against Liverpool:

"The three away games have been testing for us in a real short space of time - a lot of travelling - so we're delighted to be back in front of our own supporters. I think the away games do test you in different ways and with three in quick succession, physically the players have done very, very well.

"I think our physical performance against Liverpool was excellent and it needed to be, to be competitive in the game. The big challenge for us is that we need to get back to that level two days later, which is a challenge, but one that we've done before. I think that's going to be crucial in this game."

On what he makes of the Magpies' summer transfer business, after the window closed on Thursday night:

"It's been a very good window for us I think. You set out at the start of the window, from my side, with a very clear vision of what I wanted it to be, and it's never perfect - it's never absolutely as you want it to be.

"But I think from the board down, I think everyone's given their all to try and create the best squad possible. I found the window to be very difficult this year - it was very long - so I'm pleased it's shut and we can concentrate on football. But I'm very pleased with the squad that's left."

On Martin Dúbravka and Federico Fernández, who both departed on deadline day:

"I think both have given great service to the football club. Martin's obviously still our player, he's on loan, so I'll speak about Fede first. What an incredible professional, a great guy. I can't speak highly enough of him and the the contribution he's given to the football club over many years. Unfortunately for us, he picked up a couple of injuries, so we didn't get to see a lot of it on the pitch. But behind the scenes he's been incredible for us and he goes with our best wishes.

"It's the same with Martin - we didn't want to lose him, as I've said many times, but you have to understand and respect the player's wishes as well and hopefully we've come to a situation that suits him. We have to move on without him."

On new signing Alexander Isak's goalscoring debut at Liverpool:

"His characteristics and his individual skills are there. What impressed me most was how he took on the information we gave him and implemented that - more off the ball really than on the ball - (as) on the ball he'll always be himself. He's got some great talent."

On Saturday's game against Palace and the St. James' Park atmosphere:

"Crystal Palace have done very well this season. They've had a tough fixture list themselves, as we have, and they've managed themselves well through those tough encounters.

"I expect St. James' Park to be rocking again. I think the Anfield experience at the end there will hopefully get the crowd into the game from minute one, and certainly I want to see a positive reaction from my team from what happened."