Newcastle United return to action in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon when they face Brighton at St James’ Park.
All 12 Newcastle players on international duty have escaped the October break unscathed and can now look forward to resuming the Premier League campaign.
Eddie Howe’s side currently sit seventh in the Premier League table after seven matches, with the only defeat so far this campaign coming in the “awful” 3-1 loss to Fulham.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 6 |  BrightonBrighton | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 12 |
| 7 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 12 |
| 8 |  FulhamFulham | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 11 |
Next up for Newcastle is a visit from Brighton, who sit one place ahead of the Magpies due to their superior goal difference.
Alexander Isak is going to be fit to face the Seagulls, while teenager Lewis Miley has returned to training as he steps up his recovery.
Brighton injury news ahead of Newcastle United clash
Saturday’s visitors will be without a handful of key players for the clash with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler providing an update on his squad.
Yankuba Minteh left Newcastle for Brighton in the summer and is fit to face his former side this weekend, but former transfer target Joao Pedro has been ruled out.
Pedro’s move to Newcastle collapsed in 2022 before the Magpies eventually turned their attention to signing Isak.
As quoted by TheArgus, Hurzeler said on Thursday morning: “I don’t know exactly about Julio [Enciso] and Pervis [Estupinan] – they are the latest arrivals.
“We will see them today and then we will know more.
“The injuries for Matt [O’Riley] and Joao [Pedro] will take a little bit more time. With James Milner we have to be more patient. The rest of the squad will be available. Adam Webster is another player who will miss the game against Newcastle.”
Milner spent four years at Newcastle between 2004-2008 but the former Toon midfielder has been ruled out for the weekend.
Brighton is a big test for Newcastle United’s European hopes
After narrowly missing out last season, Howe is expected to qualify for Europe this season.
Despite the disappointment around the summer transfer window and the tension behind the scenes around Howe and Paul Mitchell, Newcastle are on track.
Newcastle are only two points off the top four, but games like Saturday’s clash against Brighton are big tests.
The Seagulls will also be targeting a top-half finish and a return to Europe after starting strong under new manager Hurzeler.
A victory on Saturday will restore hope around Tyneside that Newcastle can return to Europe.
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