Aakarsh Bommakanti
Predicted Newcastle United Line-up To Face Brighton and Hove Albion
Newcastle United have failed to find any kind of consistency in the top flight this season as they are currently placed 15th in the points table, after 20 games. The Magpies fell to a narrow defeat to Manchester City earlier this week and have a chance of getting things right this weekend as they welcome fellow newly-promoted club Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Seagulls are coming into the game on the back of a 2-0 loss to Chelsea and the Magpies have a chance to equal Brighton’s points tally, with a win in this game.
Team News
Jesus Gamez and Aleksandar Mitrovic are both ruled out for this game. Florian Lejeune and Isaac Hayden are both back in training and might make the bench. The manager used a 5-4-1 system against City but is expected to be back to a 4-2-3-1 for this crunch clash.
Probable Newcastle XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Rafael Benitez
GK – Rob Elliot
The first choice shot-stopper for Rafa, Elliot has done a decent job this season and will hope to have an easy outing against Brighton.
RB – DeAndre Yedlin
After a decent outing against Manchester City at wing-back, Yedlin is expected to revert to a regular right-back role for this game.
CB – Jamaal Lascelles
The 24-year old has been a constant presence at the back for the Magpies and will hope to get the better of the likes of Murry and Grob.
CB – Ciaran Clark
Was an unused substitute in the previous game but he has been solid alongside Lascelles at the back and should retain his place in the side.
LB – Javier Manquillo
The Spaniard has not been too impressive but is getting the work done. He will have a chance to impress against a Brighton side, that can be exposed on the wings.
CM – Jonjo Shelvey
Put in a solid shift in the midfield against Manchester City and will have a more free role to play against the likes of Stephens and Propper this weekend.
CM – Mikel Merino
Came off the bench against Manchester City to good effect and deserves to start this game alongside Shelvey in the midfield.
RW – Matt Ritchie
Ritchie’s industry and discipline, coupled with his pace and creativity have been the major outlet in attack for Newcastle United. That will be the case yet again, against Brighton as well.
CAM – Ayoze Perez
A constant presence in the first-team for Newcastle United, Perez has not been too productive in front of goal but has a great chance to be so in this game.
LW – Christian Atsu
Another winger who is important to Newcastle’s style of play, Atsu needs to be kept quiet if the visitors are to take anything from this game.
ST – Joselu
Though not the best in the business, Joselu adds a different dimension to this Newcastle attack, which could play a big role in giving his side a result in this game.
