Newcastle United need a big response from the defeat at Aston Villa as Matthias Jaissle looks to bat off criticism after two straight defeats

Newcastle United start the week aiming to re-ignite a season that started well but is in danger of imploding if the Magpies aren't careful.

It's not panic stations yet, despite some overreaction at the weekend from some quarters, but the warning signs should be clear for the German head coach. After the Press conference, Jaissle admitted he had a small squad and was limited with his choices amid a spate of injuries that haven't exactly helped him.

But nevertheless, there is still scope to give the team a fresh new look at Crystal Palace and Jaissle will have to think carefully ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park. Given the Eagles have just suffered a 5-0 drubbing to rivals Brighton & Hove Albion and face a long trek to Istanbul and back for their Europa League clash with Besiktas, Newcastle have a chance to bank three points away from home.

However, they will need a shot in the arm in the build-up to the game as they look to put back to back defeats behind them. Here's five changes that Jaissle might consider this weekend.

Make sure you never miss the latest Newcastle United news and opinion by making Chronicle Live one of your Google preferred sources.

Changing the heart of defence

A double change is feasible here after shaky displays from Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman in recent games. Jaissle knows that club captain Dan Burn is close to a return after two sub appearances in the last two matches at Coventry and at home to Villa.

Playing him in attack was merely the last throw of the dice against Unai Emery's men, and it was a move that attracted too much criticism at the weekend, given it was only for a few minutes. But getting Burn back at home in the heart of defence will be key as we move forward.

Pairing him with veteran Fabian Schar to bring some familiarity to a back four that has lost a bit of confidence seems like a logical step.

Amar Dedic needs to return quickly

After suffering hamstring issues, Dedic is available again, and Newcastle could do with his marauding runs down the right once more. Remember it wasn't that long ago that the Bosnia international's dream start to life at Newcastle coincided with an unbeaten opening to the season.

Dedic is one of Jaissle's trusted dressing room figures and getting him back to bolster the defence ahead of stand-in full-back Lewis Miley is a positive step forward. It's a decision Jaissle is likely to make if he gets the green light from his medical staff.

Yoane Wissa is not the answer up front

The DR Congo international is an honest battler but he is struggling for any type of form in the final third. He had some openings against Aston Villa but failed to take them and may be better suited to a role elsewhere in the frontline rather than being the focal point.

Whereever Newcastle decide to use him, William Osula has to be the main man in attack if fully fit. We saw glimpses of what he can do in the second half when he made a couple of runs forward down the right but Newcastle need to think about getting the danger man on the ball and utilising him as a goalscoring threat again.

A change of goalkeeper?

Arguably the toughest of all the calls Jaissle has to make and I'm not sure he would go through with it given Newcastle did not plan for Nick Pope to be here this season.

But is Lukas Hornicek a player in need of a rest after some testing recent fixtures? Pope could come in to help stop the rot and get some match practice ahead of the Carabao Cup tie at Everton, perhaps.

Bearing in mind, Pope will have a point to prove and will bring experience to the defensive rearguard, it's something to consider. With Ewen Jaouen out until Christmas, this is the only option that Jaissle has.

Bringing back Sean Steur

The teenager appeared to do nothing wrong in the 2-1 win over Hull and was many people's man of the match. Bringing him back at Palace would mean tweaking things with Nico Gonzalez or Joelinton missing out, something that seems unlikely.

But the 18-year-old's high energy performance levels and determination would aid the team at Selhurst Park.