Gayle – who comes in for Joselu – will be expected to lead the line on his own, with Ayoze Pérez providing support in the No. 10 role.

Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka – who joined the Magpies on loan from Sparta Prague on Wednesday – has travelled with the squad to Selhurst Park, but it is Karl Darlow who continues in goal.

Likewise, United’s back four – DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett – is unchanged, while Mohamed Diamé again starts in central midfield.

This time, the Senegalese is partnered by Jonjo Shelvey, who comes in for Mikel Merino. Brazilian Kenedy continues out wide, with Matt Ritchie replacing Christian Atsu on the opposite flank.

On the bench, there is a place for Florian Lejeune, who has not featured since the Magpies’ 1-0 defeat at Arsenal in December.

Newcastle United: Karl Darlow, DeAndre Yedlin, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark, Paul Dummett, Mohamed Diamé, Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie, Ayoze Pérez, Kenedy, Dwight Gayle.

Substitutes: Martin Dúbravka, Javier Manquillo, Florian Lejeune, Isaac Hayden, Mikel Merino, Christian Atsu, Jacob Murphy.