- Crystal Palace face Newcastle
- A best XI of both squads includes Adam Wharton and Anthony Gordon
- Sandro Tonali and Jean-Philippe Mateta big omissions
Crystal Palace face Newcastle United in the Premier League today (April 12th) and several top Premier League stars will be on display. That’s if Oliver Glasner doesn’t opt to heavily rotate his team ahead of the second leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final on Thursday.
The Eagles and the Magpies might not be making a massive impact in the top flight this season. But Glasner’s men have been excellent in Europe and are on course to reach the semi-finals after beating their Italian opponents 3-0 last Thursday.
Ismaila Sarr was among the goals to continue his red-hot form this season. But does the Senegalese make a joint XI of Palace and Newcastle players?
Crystal Palace and Newcastle Joint XI
Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
This was a relatively easy decision, given that Dean Henderson has been one of the best goalkeepers in the league. The English shot-stopper has appeared 29 times and currently sits joint-third for most clean sheets (10).
Henderson made England’s squad for the recent international break, and while Aaron Ramsdale was also included, he was sent back to St James’ Park midway through camp. The on-loan Southampton goalkeeper has encountered a topsy-turvy spell that looks likely to lead to him heading back to St Mary’s in the summer.
Right Wing-Back: Daniel Munoz
Tino Livramento is reportedly on Arsenal and Manchester City’s radar amid a fine season. But it’s only fair to field a back-five given Palace are enjoying a better season than Newcastle.
Daniel Munoz has long been one of the best wing-backs in the league and his importance is obvious. When he was sidelined during the winter, the Eagles came off the boil.
The Colombian has made 21 appearances in the league this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists. He is one of the most consistent defenders in the Premier League.
Centre-Back: Chris Richards
James Tomkins recently claimed that Chris Richards’ performances go under the radar and it’s hard to disagree. The American is rock-solid and assured on the ball, bringing a sense of calm to Glasner’s backline.
The Magpies have faltered this season and conceding eight goals across two legs against Barcelona highlights issues in defence. That’s why Richards, who has made 26 appearances in the league, takes the first central defensive spot.
Centre-Back: Maxence Lacroix
Joining Richards in defence is Maxence Lacroix is arguably the best of both teams when it comes to defensive prowess. The French centre-back has been incredible since arriving at Selhurst Park and he’s stepped up following Marc Guehi’s departure in January.
Lacroix has made 28 appearances in the league, posting one goal and two assists. If the South Londoners are to win the Europa Conference League, he’ll have been hugely influential.
Centre-Back: Malick Thiaw
Newcastle’s decision to spend £35m for Malick Thiaw last summer has paid off. The German has made a superb start to life in the Premier League and just takes the spot over Jaydee Canvot because of experience and regular game time.
Thiaw has appeared 28 times in the league, registering an impressive four goals. While he has endured some shaky moments, he’s been Eddie Howe’s best defender this season.
Left Wing-Back: Lewis Hall
It feels extremely harsh to leave Tyrick Mitchell out of this team but Lewis Hall is enjoying quite possibly the best season of any left-back in the top-flight. He looks likely to be England’s starter at the World Cup this summer.
Hall has made 24 appearances in the league, registering one goal and one assist. His best display came against Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in the Champions League at St James’, completely nullifying the Spanish winger’s threat.
Central Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes
There’s a reason so many of the big six are circling for Bruno Guimaraes’ signature. The Brazilian is a sublime footballer who has been a massive miss for Howe amid a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Guimaraes has captained the Magpies with admirable leadership and pride. He has appeared 23 times in the league, managing nine goals and five assists.
Central Midfield: Adam Wharton
Palace fans are already convinced Adam Wharton is headed for the exit door this summer because of the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool eyeing him. That’s because he is among the best young English talents in the game today.
Wharton makes everything look easy, whether it’s a long ball over the top or putting out fires at the back. He’s made 27 league appearances, registering five assists.
Right-Wing: Ismaila Sarr
The best attacking talent in both teams is Ismaila Sarr, who is having a ridiculously good season. He is in the hunt for the Conference League Golden Boot but is also delivering in the Premier League.
Sarr has made 20 top-flight appearances, bagging seven goals and one assist. The Senegalese winger undoubtedly takes the right-wing spot over Anthony Elanga and Jacob Murphy.
Striker: Jorgen Strand Larsen
This was perhaps the hardest position to call because neither team’s centre-forward is exactly setting the world alight. But Jorgen Strand Larsen has fared well since becoming Palace’s club-record signing in January.
The Norweigan frontman has found the net four times in 28 league outings, including games for Wolverhampton Wanderers. He just needs to be more prolific to cement the centre-forward starting berth for the Eagles in the long run.
Left-Wing: Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon can be a polarising attacker who comes in and out of form, but he remains one of Howe’s most important players. The English forward, who has sometimes operated centrally, is being linked with a transfer this summer.
The former Everton man has managed six goals and two assists in 25 league games. Evann Guessand deserves a mention for his form since arriving at Palace on loan, but Gordon just beats him to the left wing.
