Newcastle United entertain Crystal Palace after putting on 4 draws in their last 5 matches that have seen them now tied at the top of the table with Notts Forest with 2 games in hand. One of the games in hand is tonight at St. James' Park, which they will need to secure all 3 points so as not to have any pressure towards the end of the season where things can easily turn in any direction. Peter Lovenkrands should be back after compassionate leave to head up the offense and may have partner Shola Ameobi should he overcome a shoulder injury sustained at the weekend. The midfield for Newcastle has been running the engine for them so far this season with Smith, Nolan, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Butt and the new addition now of Wayne Routledge will give them more width on the pitch to take advantage of counter attacks. Crystal Palace despite getting a 10 point deduction have been managing to stay afloat with some good victories in recent victories, but manager Warnock is highly concerned on what kind of a squad would be on the pitch tonight due to the numerous injuries that his squad have faced in the recent weeks. He may have to field certain reserves and fringe players and may not be able to name all subsitutes as well and with the quality in the side that Newcastle have, it is about time that the masterminded a few victories in a row to alleviate the pressure at Tyneside.