Newcastle United will take on EFL Championship leaders Brighton & Hove Albion in what could be a title-defining clash on Tuesday night at the Amex Stadium.
The Magpies, who went into Saturday’s round of fixtures as the leaders, dropped two crucial points following a 2-2 draw against Bristol City and as a result lost their place at the top to the Seagulls who defeated promotion-seeking Reading 3-0 at home.
Rafael Benitez’s side notched up a 2-0 victory the last time these two sides met in the Championship back in August last year at the St. James’ Park and will be hoping for a similar result but given Brighton’s current form, it will be a difficult prospect.
Benitez will be without the services of Dwight Gayle for another month and midfielder Isaac Hayden will also remain unavailable, along with Rolando Aarons. Vurnon Anita is fit again and made it to the bench against Bristol City and will be able to feature if need be. Let’s take a look how Newcastle could set out on Tuesday as they look to grapple the first place back.
Newcastle United predicted line-up:
Karl Darlow (GK)
The 26-year old did not enjoy the best of games in the weekend and will look to put in a much more convincing display against the leaders.
De Andre Yedlin (RB)
The former Tottenham man remains the preferred choice at right-back ahead of the fit-again Vurnon Anita and should take the pitch on Tuesday.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
The captain endured a difficult game on Saturday, but his presence will be key for Newcastle as they look to wrestle back the top position against Brighton.
Ciaran Clark (CB)
The Irishman scored the all-important equalizer against Bristol City over the weekend but will need to perform better defensively against Brighton in the upcoming clash.
Paul Dummett (CB)
Newcastle’s most used player of the season was caught out at times on Saturday and will need to tighten up if his team are to come up trumps on Tuesday.
Jonjo Shelvey (CM)
Continues to be the most influential player for Newcastle and Benitez will need him to be firing on all cylinders against Brighton.
Jack Colback (CM)
Not as dynamic as Isaac Hayden in the middle of the park, but remains the best option in his absence and should once again feature from the kick-off on Tuesday.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
The explosive winger has gone off the boil in recent weeks, but still remains Newcastle’s best option out wide, but will need to influence big games as the one on Tuesday. Will also need to watch out as he is just one yellow card away from suspension.
Mohamed Diame (CAM)
The midfielder did not start against Bristol City, but we expect him to replace the ineffective Ayoze Perez and start in the No.10 position against Brighton.
Christian Atsu (LW)
Hasn’t been the favoured option on the left-flank, but gave a good account of himself on Saturday and as a result should hold onto his spot ahead of Yoann Gouffran.
Aleksandar Mitrovic (ST)
With Dwight Gayle unavailable, Mitrovic is the best resort at Benitez’s disposal and will once again the lead the line for Newcastle on Tuesday.