Newcastle United fans are prepared to gamble on the fitness of Allan Saint-Maximin and Bruno Guimaraes. Both players missed Wednesday’s defeat to Liverpool and are serious doubts for the clash against Crystal Palace.
Ahead of the game, Eddie Howe confirmed the pair are “close” but was unsure if they would be fit in time for this weekend. He said: "Bruno and Maxi are close. They are not serious injuries. We’ll wait and see whether they’re fit for this week.
READ MORE: Newcastle transfer bids get brutal club responses and bench 'protect themselves' at Liverpool
"Again, they’re not serious injuries. There is no muscle pull with Allan, it’s more just a bit of swelling. We’re hopeful it won’t be too long.
"Whether or not he’ll be available for the next game at this moment I don’t know. But if not the next one, then definitely the one after."
Despite the injury doubts, ChronicleLive readers have voted to start the duo at St James’ Park. Elsewhere, Dan Burn - who has started every league game this season - is the surprise casualty as Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman and Matt Targett were chosen in defence.
Joelinton and Joe Willock partner Bruno Guimaraes and a three-pronged attack of Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron and Alexander Isak lead the line. The latter will be itching to bag on home soil after his impressive debut against Liverpool in midweek.
ChronicleLive readers' XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett; Guimaraes, Willock, Joelinton; Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Isak
READ NEXT
Newcastle transfer was 'moving well' but didn't happen, Al-Rumayyan's 'feeling' and Sesko truth
Everything Eddie Howe said on deadline day, injuries and Palace
Alexander Isak's telling response to Liverpool tackle shut down Paul Merson Newcastle doubt
Eddie Howe and Jurgen Klopp asked about angry Newcastle and Liverpool bench clash on touchline
Eddie Howe's perfect response to boos, Liverpool coach taunts Newcastle bench and objects thrown
