Crystal Palace will head up to St James’ Park full of confidence ahead of their clash with Newcastle United on Saturday.
The Eagles finally broke their duck last week with a surprising 2-1 win over the Premier League champions Chelsea at Selhurst Park after setting several new records for the worst start in top-flight history.
A winless seven-match sequence without a goal had planted the South London side firmly at the bottom of the table, with many pundits fearing the worst for the club.
However, the return of club legends Julian Speroni and Wilfried Zaha galvanised the team into a spirited and resolute performance against their London neighbours to claim their first three points of the season, thanks to goals from Zaha himself and an own goal from Cesar Azpilicueta.
Palace now head to Tyneside to face another side who are brimming with confidence.
The Magpies sit in ninth place after eight games into their return to the top flight and are in talks over a proposed takeover, which could end the unpopular reign of Mike Ashley with Amanda Staveley carrying out due diligence checks on the club.
It’s a very hard one to call but let’s see how Crystal Palace could line up.
GK: Julian Speroni
The club legend made his first league start for over a year and led the side to their first win of the league. He should keep his place.
RB: Joel Ward
Andros Townsend’s inability to defend often left him exposed and therefore he has had his critics but he looked a lot more comfortable with the support of James McArthur in front of him.
CB: Scott Dann
Captained the side in the absence of Jason Puncheon and formed a good partnership with Mamadou Sakho.
CB: Mamadou Sakho
He was an imposing one against Chelsea but hopefully, he won’t be doing any fancy flicks in his own area!
LB: Patrick van Aanholt
He has had a dodgy start to the season defensively but always has the potential to pop up with a goal. He squandered a fantastic opportunity against Chelsea.
RM: James McArthur
Provided excellent defensive cover for Ward and showed his creativity with a lovely no-look pass for Townsend.
CM: Luka Milivojevic
Was impervious in the centre of midfield against the Premier League champions and Palace will need more of the same.
CM: Yohan Cabaye
Another spirited performance from the Frenchman in a very well balanced central midfield.
LM: Jeffrey Schlupp
Didn’t stand out at Chelsea but there’s no reason to change a winning side. His pace may be useful on the sizeable St James’ Park pitch.
ST: Andros Townsend
He tore the Chelsea defence apart but was spared the headlines due to his strike partner’s performance.
ST: Wilfried Zaha
Returned from injury to score the winner for Crystal Palace. He will be key to their chances of survival this season.