Newcastle are hopeful that Shola Ameobi (shoulder) and Nicky Butt (calf) will be able to play, but Steven Taylor has been ruled out with a knee injury.
Peter Lovenkrands is expected to return to the squad having been on compassionate leave following the recent death of his father.
MATCH PREVIEW
Crystal Palace have only won once at St James' Park in the last 37 years and now have the task of trying to end the Championship's only unbeaten home record.
Leaders Newcastle have not lost in 12 matches and are on course for an immediate return to the Premier League, but Palace are also in contention for a top-flight return.
The Eagles are undefeated in four matches, have lost only one of their last eight, and have kept clean sheets in their last two games.
Neil Warnock's side are enjoying a decent season, partly thanks to the performances of ex-Newcastle man Darren Ambrose, who has scored 14 goals this term and is set to face his former club.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Newcastle have kept clean sheets in their last four matches against Crystal Palace, winning three of them 2-0.
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• The Magpies, who won at Palace earlier this season, last completed a league double over the London club in the 1994/95 season.
• If he plays, Shola Ameobi will be making his 200th Newcastle appearance.
Newcastle
• Newcastle have drawn their last three Championship matches.
• Their 41 league goals have been scored by 14 different players (excluding one own goal).
• Of the Magpies' 52 points, 43 have been won in matches in which they have opened the scoring.
Crystal Palace
• Palace have picked up eight points from the last available 12.
• Seven players have scored for the Eagles in the Championship this season. Only Coventry have a shorter goalscorers list going into this week's fixtures.
MOST RECENT MEETING
Crystal Palace 0-2 Newcastle (22 August 2009)
Newcastle scorers: Nolan 2, Taylor 21.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport