Image source, Reuters

Strong hands from Karl Darlow. The Newcastle keeper has to be alert to keep out a sweet volley from Yannick Bolasie.

At the other end Magpies midfielder Jack Colback bends a low shot that misses Wayne Hennessey's right-hand upright by three feet or so.

Jack Colback delivers a great cross from the left but Moussa Sissoko goes for the ball with his feet rather than his head.

The France midfielder should have done better with that chance.

We are a few minutes away from the break. The Magpies would dearly love to make a breakthrough before the interval.

Steve Stone
Former Newcastle coach and England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, PA

"This is Newcastle's best passage of play. Chancel Mbemba hits it from 35-40 yards, the keeper sees it all the way and saves it, it's better from Newcastle.

"Crystal Palace are just trying to hit Yannick Bolasie whenever they can."

Image source, Reuters

Defender Chancel Mbemba, of all people, smashes one from 25 yards that Wayne Hennessey has to dive low to his left to save.

That move started from referee Mike Dean inadvertently directing the ball back in the path of a Newcastle player when Palace had possession.

Steve Stone
Former Newcastle coach and England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"I have worked with Alan Pardew before, I have seen him do this before. He has come here to get a point."

Yannick Bolasie lets rip from 20 yards but the ball misses Karl Darlow's bar by a couple of feet. It was one of those that looked closer than it actually was.

Bolasie is in the mood today though.

Yannick Bolasie races into the area but the ball is cleared for a throw-in by Crystal Palace.

The crowd are booing because they seem to think Palace are time-wasting. They are certainly not in any rush. It doesn't help that former manager Alan Pardew is on the opposition bench.

Image source, Reuters

Former Magpie Yohan Cabaye has a fierce angled strike punched away at his near post by Karl Darlow.

That's the first decent opportunity the visitors have had.

Steve Stone
Former Newcastle coach and England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

Image source, Reuters

"Newcastle need more energy in the team. They worked hard against Liverpool, Swansea and Manchester City, but at the minute they are letting Palace dictate. They are first to everything and winning every second ball."

Now Newcastle have a corner after Paul Dummett's cross comes off Joel Ward.

However, the delivery is poor and Palace clear.

The crowd go quiet once again.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle's midfield haven't got a grip on this game, which is worrying for home fans.

Palace have another corner.

Steve Stone
Former Newcastle coach and England midfielder on BBC Radio 5 live

"It's not a great game. Palace are trying to make it like that, they are trying to slow the game down. They are not letting Newcastle get a head of steam up. They are controlling the game and if they continue like this, then they will win."

The corner is cleared and Newcastle break, but the move breaks down in the Palace area.

Yohan Cabaye is to take it from the left...

michael laverton: Lascelles doing it on the pitch as well as off unlike Steven Taylor, future captain material.

The crowd have been roused. Andros Townsend tries to slalom in the area like a Super G skier, but he runs out of steam before shooting.

The Magpies have made a decent start.

Gini Wijnaldum, who has not scored since 16 January, hits a first time shot from Vurnon Anita's cross. Luckily for keeper Wayne Hennessey the eight-yard strike is hit straight at him.

There will be a goal coming soon, I can sense it.