For what looks like the final time, Graeme Jones will take interim charge of Newcastle United.
The Magpies face Brighton on Saturday evening, as they look to get their first win of the season at the 11th time of asking.
Newcastle desperately need three points going into the international break, but who will Jones pick in what will be his last game as caretaker?
Martin Dubravka returns
Ahead of the game, Jones confirmed that Paul Dummett is the only Newcastle player out injured.
That means Martin Dubravka is once again available for selection, having missed every game so far this season.
When asked about Dubravka in his pre-match press conference, Jones said: “I will see what’s in the best interests of the club.”
And it is in the club’s best interest that the 32-year-old returns.
While Karl Darlow has been alright in between the sticks, he’s not on the same level as Dubravka. We saw a bad moment from Darlow last week, wiping out Kai Havertz to concede a second half penalty.
Dubravka will bring a bit more calm to proceedings, and his leadership at the back has been desperately missed.
Will Federico Fernandez return?
Defensively, Newcastle have been poor all season.
Since Jones became interim boss, the Magpies have used a back five, with Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark operating as centre-backs.
The trio were poor against Chelsea, with fans desperate to see Federico Fernandez and/or Fabian Schar return. The former hasn’t even been on the bench, much to the shock of supporters.
But will they return against Brighton? Despite what fans want, it feels unlikely. Don’t be surprised if Jones continues with the same back five at the Amex.
Third time lucky for Ryan Fraser?
It was a surprise to see Ryan Fraser start against Crystal Palace. It was even more surprising to see him play in centre-midfield.
The surprises continued last week as the Scotland international retained his place against Chelsea.
Fraser has really struggled, so will it be third time lucky against Brighton? It feels likely that he’ll start once again, considering he wasn’t dropped last week despite playing poorly at Selhurst Park.
Ideally, Fraser will start on the wing as part of a front three. But that may depend on how Brighton lineup.
Predicted XI vs Brighton: Dubravka; Manquillo, Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Ritchie; Longstaff, Hayden, Fraser; Saint-Maximin, Wilson.
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