Newcastle vs Brighton predicted XIs: Team news and probable line-ups
It’s seventh against sixth in the Premier League on Saturday (3pm), when Newcastle play host to Brighton at St James’ Park.
Only goal difference separates the two sides, with both teams winning three and drawing three of their opening seven league games.
Predicted XIs:
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Murphy.
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Kadioglu, Dunk, Van Hecke, Veltman; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Mitoma, Rutter, Minteh; Welbeck.
Howe can focus on taking Newcastle forward
After months of speculation, England finally announced their long-term replacement for Gareth Southgate, with Thomas Tuchel appointed as the Three Lions boss.
Eddie Howe was amongst a couple of names who were being strongly linked with the position and there was mounting talk he would leave the Magpies.
A change in the hierarchy at St James’ increased the rumours, but now he won’t have to deal with regular questions over the England position.
That may well help Newcastle’s cause, as they set their sights on qualifying for Europe after enjoying a brief stint in the Champions League.
Their home form will be imperative to their chances, with the Magpies unbeaten in their three league games on home soil – with two wins and a draw.
Brighton head to Tyneside having collected four points from a possible nine on the road and knowing a win could move them into the top four.
This game finished in a 1-1 draw last season, with Sean Longstaff equalising after Joel Veltman opened the scoring for the Seagulls.
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Newcastle vs Brighton Team News
Newcastle are hoping that Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson will be fit enough to return to the squad for Saturday’s clash.
Swedish ace Isak has missed the last three games due to a toe injury, while Wilson is yet to play this season due to a back problem.
Lewis Miley has returned to training after a long spell on the sidelines, while goalkeeper Martin Dubravka is also back in the fray. Kieran Trippier is missing though with a hamstring problem.
Fabian Hurzeler has suggested Brighton could be without five players for the weekend, due to injury.
Joao Pedro injured his ankle prior to the international break and is sidelined, while Matt O’Riley and Adam Webster also missing.
Hurzeler will have to make late decisions on Julio Enciso and Pervis Estupinan, with the pair returning back later from international duty.
One plus for the Brighton boss is the likely return of Jan Paul van Hecke, who is back in training following a muscle problem.
