Last weekend’s defeat to Liverpool has put Newcastle United in 18th position in the Premier League. They next face Brighton and Hove Albion at St. James’ Park.
Last season, Newcastle lost their home fixture against the Seagulls while drawing the away one. The Magpies are yet to register a top-flight win over Brighton and will be hoping to do so tomorrow.
Steve Bruce’s side had a fine start against Liverpool last season and have a good chance of winning against Graham Potter’s team. Brighton started the season well, beating Watford 3-0.
However, they haven’t won a single Premier League match since then, drawing against West Ham and Burnley while losing against Southampton and Manchester City.
A win for Newcastle will certainly get them out of the relegation zone while a defeat would mark their fifth successive winless result against the Seagulls.
Now, we will take a look at who could be on Bruce’s team sheet tomorrow.
GK- Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian saved a couple of shots during the Liverpool game and will hope to do the same thing this weekend. Since the opposition is not too strong, there will be a lot less pressure on him.
RB- Emil Krafth
The Swedish international will undoubtedly start tomorrow and will hope to put in an impressive performance.
CB- Jamal Lascelles
The Newcastle skipper doesn’t have any fitness issue so he should marshal their defence against Brighton.
CB- Fabian Schar
The Swiss international didn’t have a very good outing against Liverpool and will need to put in a much better performance against the Seagulls if Newcastle are to win tomorrow. He will also be expected to try and head in during corners.
CB- Paul Dummett
The 27-year-old will once again be Bruce’s third centre-back for this weekend’s encounter against Brighton and Hove Albion.
LB- Jetro Willems
The Dutchman scored a fine goal against Liverpool which will certainly boost his spirits.
Willems will be expected to put in a fine performance in defence while also making some contribution in attack.
CM- Jonjo Shelvey
There’s little chance of Sean Longstaff featuring tomorrow after an injury ruled him out of last weekend’s fixture against Liverpool.
Hence, Shelvey will retain his starting spot for this weekend’s fixture.
CM- Isaac Hayden
Hayden has been in really good form for Newcastle so far and he will be needed to put in another tenacity-filled performance against Brighton.
RW- Miguel Almiron
The Paraguayan international will start at right-wing this weekend and will hope to finally scoring his first goal of the season.
LW- Christian Atsu
Matt Ritchie has returned to training but Bruce might rest him and give Atsu a starting spot this weekend.
CF- Joelinton
So far, the Brazilian hasn’t been worth the big bucks Newcastle paid to bring him in from Hoffenheim. However, he’ll be hoping to net a goal or two and will need to do so. A lot will be expected from Joelinton if Newcastle are to win tomorrow.