Eddie Howe drops £12m star in two key changes, Isak starts – Predicted Newcastle XI vs Brighton | SportsView
by Max Fletcher 18 October 2024
3 minutes
Michael Dawson tips Eddie Howe to become the next England manager
Newcastle United will welcome Brighton & Hove Albion at St James’ Park on Saturday in their first Premier League game after the international break.
The Magpies played out a goalless draw at Everton in their previous match. Anthony Gordon endured a difficult return to Goodison Park as the 23-year-old failed to convert his first-half penalty.
However, despite the stalemate, Eddie Howe’s team are sitting seventh in the league standings with just two points behind the top-four.
They will be looking to return to winning ways this weekend at the expense of Brighton. But that will be easier said than done as the Seagulls will enter the game on the back of an excellent 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Predicted Newcastle United XI
Nick Pope kept a clean sheet against Everton, his first since the opening day of the season. The 32-year-old will be looking to secure another clean sheet for his side this weekend.
In front of the experienced goalkeeper, we are expecting a change to the backline that started last time. Kieran Trippier is sidelined with a hamstring problem and so Tino Livramento should slot in at right back, with Lewis Hall playing on the opposite flank.
Fabian Schar and Dan Burn have been excellent so far and so there is no reason for a change in central defence.
Sandro Tonali impressed on international duty with Italy and is expected to keep his first-team spot in midfield, alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
Newcastle are hopeful that Alexander Isak will be fit to face Brighton this weekend. The 23-year-old’s return will be a big boost for the Magpies.
Isak is set to lead their attack, with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon playing on the wings. Jacob Murphy, who is currently valued at £12 million by Transfermarkt, started in the last game at Everton but he should drop out of the team on Saturday.
Predicted XI: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Barnes
