Newcastle United's improving injury situation means some difficult calls for the Magpies head coach to make

Selhurst Park is rarely a happy hutning ground for Newcastle United, but Matthias Jaissle and Co head to South London fully aware that only a positive peformance and result will ease growing concerns over the strength of this side.

After a bright start to the campaign, United have suffered three defeats in their last four Premier League outings, with that solitary win against Hull City achieved thanks to a backs-to-the-wall second-half display of determination.

Jaissle has not yet had a fully-fit squad to pick from, something any manager is rarely afforded, but the German has had to make do in key areas of the pitch as he awaits for injured players to return.

While he will be again without four key men at Crystal Palace, he should at least have more freedom when it comes to picking his starting XI on Sunday . . . although that in turn raises some questions.

With Joelinton now back in the fold and expected to start alongside Nico Gonzalez in the engine room, competition for midfield places has become even tougher.

Even if Jaissle switches formation to accomodate another midfielder, there is already a queue of United players ready to take that spot.

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Which bring us to the big decision he must make over Lewis Miley this weekend.

The 20-year-old has started every Premier League game to date, but has switched to right-back for that last three after Amar Dedic picked up an injury.

Bosnian Dedic is now expected to be available for Palace, and after an excellent start to the season, and should come back into the side in his usual position.

While Miley started in midfield in the first four games, they all came before Joelinton's recovery, which begs the question where the young Geordie will fit in this weekend.

Jaissle has already faced questions on Sean Steur's lack of gametime since his man-of-the-match display against Hull City, but he now has to accomodate Miley in his midfield options.

A switch to a more familiar midfield three would at least allow one of the pair to start, although it would mean Jaissle abandoinng his 4-2-3-1 formation.

Miley could play in a more advanced role, but it is not one he is accustomed too, with Joe Willock and Jacob Ramsey, once he is fit, a more natural choice.

Newcastle are convinced Miley will be the poster boy for what they want to achieve in the future, but he may have a battle on his hands to start on Sunday.