Predicted Newcastle team v Brighton | OneFootball

Looking at the Newcastle team v Brighton.

The NUFC players hoping to make it eight wins from nine.

Premier League victories over Ipswich, West Ham, Brentford, Leicester, Man U and Palace, plus of course in the middle of that, the magnificent performance and triumph at Wembley against Liverpool.

United having that only setback at Villa in these past two months.

So, what can we expect the Newcastle team v Brighton to be?

On Friday morning, Eddie Howe giving an injury and availability update:

Eddie Howe on Joelinton

“The likelihood is that it will be difficult [if he will play again this season].

“But with Joe you never rule him out. He’s so motivated to try and come back.

“He had a bit of discomfort in his knee last week before the game so we sought specialist opinion and the opinion was it was nothing serious but he needed a period of rest so he’s now in Brazil.

“We’ll wait and see if we can get him back before the end of the season but the likelihood is probably not.”

Eddie Howe on Sven Botman:

“He came through last weekend OK [against Ipswich].

“He trained again this week and looks good, so it’s been positive to have him back.”

So as things appear to stand, only Joelinton, Matt Targett, Lewis Hall and Jamaal Lascelles will be definitely unavailable for this Brighton match on Sunday.

So where does that leave us…

My predicted Newcastle team v Brighton:

Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Bruno, Willock, Gordon, Isak, Murphy

Just the one change from the starting eleven that won 3-0 against Ipswich.

My one predicted change is Anthony Gordon in for Harvey Barnes.

Whilst they both have the same preferred position on the pitch, the two left wingers are very different types of player.

I just fancy the extra pace and direct running of Anthony Gordon to see him back in the team to get at Brighton from the first whistle.

Harvey Barnes has done really well these past couple of months and for sure he will get on the pitch at some point today. However, I think it could well be from the bench.

I think Joe Willock will stay in the team in Joelinton’s absence, the former Arsenal player was decent against Ipswich. Although Lewis Miley is another great option if Eddie Howe did decide to make a change in midfield.

Whilst it is a massive bonus having Sven Botman back available and he now gives Eddie Howe a nice ‘problem’ when it comes to having three excellent options for central defence.

The remaining Newcastle United match schedule:

Sunday 4 May – Brighton v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports