Newcastle United’s squad is looking much healthier ahead of their final home game of the season against Brighton And Hove Albion.
The Magpies are preparing for their last game at St James’ Park this season, and Eddie Howe will want his players to go out in style.
They can do that with a win against Brighton, who Newcastle faced at a similar stage of last season. The 4-1 victory over the Seagulls put Howe’s side on the brink of Champions League qualification, and a win on Saturday could be just as important.
Newcastle United are going in search of Europa League or Europa Conference League qualification, meaning a win at the weekend is vital.
That is why we predict Eddie Howe to pick his strongest Newcastle United team possible to face Brighton
No Kieran Trippier return for Newcastle, but big change in goal
Newcastle United welcomed back some key players from injury last weekend, one of which was Nick Pope.
He started on the bench against his former club Burnley, but should take Martin Dubravka’s place in between the sticks on Saturday. While the £4million stopper has done nothing wrong in recent weeks, Howe must put sentiment aside at this crucial stage in the season and pick his best goalkeeper.
But one player who he might not be able to pick is Kieran Trippier. It has been hoped that he will be fit to face Brighton, but that is now in doubt after the 33-year-old was not spotted in training.
Therefore, it seems very likely that Tino Livramento will continue at right-back.
Joelinton starts against Brighton
Another injured player who should start against Brighton is Joelinton. He made his comeback during the win over Burnley, and certainly made up for lost time by winning plenty of tackles.
His power in midfield has been a big miss, and that is why Howe should start the £40million man this weekend – assuming he is deemed fit enough.
The Brazil international should be joined in midfield by Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff, which means a change in formation.
Callum Wilson predicted to drop to the bench
While Howe went with a 4-4-2 shape against Burnley, it feels likely that he will revert to 4-3-3 on this occasion.
That means dropping one of his strikers to the bench, which is bad news for Callum Wilson. The 32-year-old has been in fine form, and will be desperate to have an impact as a substitute as he goes in search of a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros.
Jacob Murphy should retain his place in the Newcastle XI, after playing so well in the 4-1 win over Burnley. He got two assists, and produced one of his best Toon performances in a long time.
Predicted XI vs Brighton: Pope; Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Bruno, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
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