Newcastle host Brighton on Saturday night in the Championship.
Rafael Benitez’s Newcastle take on unbeaten Brighton on Saturday evening in the Championship.
Brighton have had no hangover from last year’s failure, and have collected eight points from their opening four games.
Newcastle United’s Aleksandar Mitrovic looks dejected after being substituted
In contrast, the Magpies had a more difficult start to the season, but have recorded back-to-back victories to bring them up to seventh.
Having picked up three injuries in Tuesday night’s EFL Cup tie, Benitez will be forced to make changes for the visit of Chris Hughton’s side. Could this be the XI the Spaniard picks for their trickiest task of the season so far?
Newcastle announced the signing of DeAndre Yedlin this week, but it may be too soon for the American full-back to make his debut in black-and-white after being brought in to replace the departed Daryl Janmaat.
Having played the previous two league games at right-back, Vurnon Anita should continue there, having looked settled as part of the back four.
The Magpies’ most assured looking centre-back partnership has been captain Jamaal Lascelles and Chancel Mbemba, and that should be the pairing that Benitez goes with to handle Glenn Murray and Tomer Hemed.
Newcastle United’s Paul Dummett and Huddersfield Town’s Tommy Smith in action
Having dropped to the bench against Bristol City, Paul Dummett should come back into the side in place of Ciaran Clark. As the more mobile of the pair, Dummett would be more suited to facing Anthony Knockaert, who has started the season in blistering form.
Jack Colback returned to the side last week, but should bow out for Jonjo Shelvey, whose passing range will be vital if Newcastle are to break through the stubborn Brighton defence.
The England international will be paired with Isaac Hayden, who may be slightly more disciplined than he was against Reading, where he played as a box-to-box midfielder.
Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie against Reading from the penalty spot
Width will be supplied by Yoan Gouffran and Matt Ritchie. A lack of options out wide, following an injury to Rolando Aarons, will mean that it will be the same wingers that Newcastle have used for their previous two league games.
Up front is where the problems lie for Newcastle. Although they won against Cheltenham on Tuesday night, it came at a price, as a returning Aleksandar Mitrovic and top scorer Dwight Gayle have been ruled out with head injuries.
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle (L) and Ayoze Perez after sustaining injuries to the head
That leaves Ayoze Perez to lead the line, with the Spanish striker scoring his first goals of the season against the League Two outfit. The 23-year-old will be supported by Mohamed Diame, whose wonderful pass set up Gayle to score Newcastle’s winner away to Bristol City last weekend.
The loss of Gayle will hit Newcastle hard, and will need to be at their creative best while remaining responsible at the back if they are to be the first team to beat the Seagulls this season.
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