Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is well aware of Newcastle United’s attacking talent.
The Magpies are in action at St James’ Park on Saturday, as they prepare to welcome Brighton And Hove Albion to Tyneside.
It will be Hurzeler’s first visit to Newcastle, with the 31-year-old being appointed as Brighton boss over the summer.
He has enjoyed a bright start with the Seagulls, and sits one place above Newcastle in the Premier League table. Hurzeler is expecting a great atmosphere at St James’ Park, having been told what the Newcastle United crowd are like.
They will hope to create a brilliant atmosphere, and the Toon Army will certainly be boosted if Alexander Isak is in the Newcastle United starting XI.
Fabian Hurzeler praises Alexander Isak ahead of Newcastle vs Brighton
The 25-year-old has missed Newcastle’s last three games with a toe injury. However, it has been reported that Isak will be fit to face Brighton this weekend.
Fans are awaiting official confirmation that he will be available, while Hurzeler has been asked during his pre-match press conference whether the uncertainty surrounding Isak’s fitness impacts his gameplan going into the game.
“Not really because they’re all fast,” he said.
“If you measure them sprinting, they’re all probably on the same level. It doesn’t matter who plays as a striker. I think the last game it was Gordon and Barnes played on the left.
“No matter who is playing there, they have all the skill and ability to hurt a backline in the Premier League. They have all the individual quality to make the difference.
“Isak is a striker with special skills. I knew him from his time when he played for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.
“He’s a great player with great skill. It will be a big challenge for us to defend him.”
Alexander Isak’s record against Brighton
Hurzeler has expressed his admiration for Isak, whilst admitting that Newcastle have plenty of attacking options even if the Sweden international does miss out.
Hopefully Isak is able to return, and in a perfect world he will start. Newcastle struggled against Everton without a recognised striker, so it is vital that either Isak or Callum Wilson are able to feature on Saturday. Ideally, they will both be available.
If Isak does feature against Brighton, he will be looking to score his first ever goal against them. Since becoming Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, Isak has played against Brighton on three occasions, failing to find the back of the net in each of them.
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