After a perfect start against Forest, Newcastle United are on the road for the first time this season to face Brighton.
Eddie Howe’s side eased past their opponents on Saturday, but will face a much tougher task this weekend. Graham Potter’s side stunned Manchester United at Old Trafford, heading back down south with a 2-1 victory.
It should be a brilliant game of football at what is set to be swelteringly hot Amex stadium, but Howe will be confident his team can handle the heat of the Seagulls.
But who will start for the Magpies? Here is our predicted Newcastle lineup to face Brighton
No opening for Sven Botman
The big pre-match surprise at St James’ Park last week came in the shape of Sven Botman being left on the bench.
Howe was loyal to one of his stars from last season, playing Dan Burn alongside Fabian Schar. The pair were brilliant yet again, and there’s simply no way they will be split up against Brighton. That means the £35million man will continue as a substitute.
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All of the defence did their bit – even Nick Pope, although he had a very quiet afternoon on his debut. He will likely be a bit busier on his second appearance.
Elliot Anderson will hope for minutes off the bench
Newcastle’s midfield were dominant against Forest, with the trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Joe Willock impressing. The Brazilian duo in particular were excellent, while Willock justified his selection over Sean Longstaff.
The latter did come off the bench last weekend, but Elliot Anderson wasn’t afforded the same opportunity. He will hope to make his first competitive appearance under Howe on Saturday, and could be a difference maker if it’s a tight affair.
But there’s no way Howe will be changing things in the middle of the park. He will be hoping and demanding for more of the same by the seaside.
More chances for Wilson required
While Callum Wilson scored his first of the season against Forest, he wasn’t totally happy with how the game went. He thought Newcastle could have scored more, and admitted that he was ‘frustrated‘ until he got his goal.
The 30-year-old proved that if you get the ball to him in the area then he will score goals. We need to try and do that more against Brighton, and Wilson will do the rest…
Predicted XI to face Brighton: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett; Almiron, Willock, Bruno, Joelinton, Saint-Maximin; Wilson.