A mini mid-season break has been most welcome for Newcastle United. After two damaging defeats in the space of four days, a rest and a reset has come in handy.

While the mantra often trotted out by professional players is that it's good to have a swift opportunity to put things right, for Newcastle the opposite is the case. After a relentless run of fixtures came to a shuddering halt with seven goals shipped in the Camp Nou and then a derby disaster at the hands of Sunderland, the international break - and an extra week off due to the FA Cup quarter-finals - couldn't have come at a better time.

Not only has it allowed Eddie Howe to clear his head, but it has also allowed the medical department the chance to clear out their treatment room. Several players will hopefully be back in training this week ahead of Sunday's game against Crystal Palace.

That provides Howe with a huge boost - but also some decisions to make. For the first time in a long while, the Magpies manager may have an assortment of riches...