Newcastle face a tough test on Sunday as they head to Brighton, a ground where they are yet to register a Premier League victory.
With European qualification still within reach of both teams, Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United square off in a crucial Premier League fixture at the Amex Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Brighton ended a frustrating six-game winless run in dramatic fashion last weekend, coming from behind to beat West Ham United 3-2 with late goals from Kaoru Mitoma and Carlos Baleba. The victory also halted a three-match drought at home, and Fabian Hurzeler’s side will look to build on that momentum as they return to the Amex.
Newcastle, meanwhile, remain firmly in the hunt for a Champions League spot after a commanding 3-0 victory over Ipswich Town, marking their seventh win in eight outings. While Eddie Howe’s men are one of the Premier League’s in-form teams, they have struggled historically at Brighton’s home ground – failing to win in any of their visits to the Amex. Still, with their top-five ambitions on the line, the Magpies will be eager to rewrite that record and come away with all three points.
Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler is set to welcome back several key players. The Brighton squad is looking healthier heading into the business end of the season. Jan Paul van Hecke, Joel Veltman, and Igor Julio are all back in contention, though only van Hecke is expected to start alongside Lewis Dunk at the heart of defence. This could allow Carlos Baleba to return to his preferred midfield role.
After scoring off the bench in consecutive games, Kaoru Mitoma should be fit enough to start. However, Brighton will still be without Joao Pedro due to suspension while Adam Webster remains a doubt with a thigh issue. In addition, Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), Georginio Rutter (ankle), and James Milner (hamstring) are unlikely to feature again this season.
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Verbruggen; Wieffer, Dunk, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Minteh, O’Riley, Mitoma; Welbeck
Newcastle have suffered a significant setback ahead of their trip to Brighton, with key midfielder Joelinton travelling to Brazil for specialist treatment on a knee injury. With Joelinton ruled out, Joe Willock is expected to continue in the midfield.
Club captain Jamaal Lascelles is also out due to a serious knee issue from last season. Newcastle’s defensive options are further limited by the ongoing absences of Lewis Hall (ankle) and Matt Targett (hamstring). Eddie Howe is likely to stick with a similar XI to the one that secured a 3-0 win over Ipswich last week, with the team looking to build on that momentum.
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Guimaraes, Tonali, Willock; Murphy, Isak, Barnes
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