It’s matchday! After a few weeks away, it’ll be great to see the lads back at St James’ Park after big results at West Ham and Brentford.
All that’s left now is to wonder what side Eddie Howe will select against a Brighton – a team we’ve never beaten in Premier League history (!), yet one who arrive on the back of three straight defeats!
Keeping form, Allan Saint-Maximin’s late return to training and injuries to Kieran Trippier (foot), Callum Wilson (calf) and Matt Ritchie (knee) in mind, here’s the side we can see him going with…
(4-3-2-1): Dubravka – Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett – Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton – Murphy, Fraser – Wood.
Martin Dubravka – Been rock solid in recent weeks, racking up his third clean sheet in our last five games last weekend.
Emil Krafth – For me, Manquillo is our best right-back when Trippier is out, however I can’t see Howe dropping Krafth after the Swede put in a solid display in that 2-0 win at Brentford?
Fabian Schar – One of many much improved players. Was brilliant at both ends last time out and has nailed down his place in Howe’s XI as a result.
Dan Burn – The 6ft 7′ giant has barely put a foot wrong since he arrived from Brighton and will start against his former side here.
Matt Targett – The Aston Villa loanee has been a revelation so far, defending admirably and striking up a lively partnership with Ryan Fraser last weekend.
Joelinton – I’m running out of superlatives for our bulldozing Brazilian. Scored the goal his performances have deserved last weekend and is one of the first named on the teamsheet now.
Jonjo Shelvey – He’s been a steady Eddie and more under Howe, adding discipline and consistency to his game. Hopefully we see more of that here against a solid Brighton side.
Joe Willock – A confident Joe Willock is a joy to watch and a real goal threat. After two goals in his last two games, it’d be great to see him bag his first at St James’ Park since he signed permanently! Bruno must be itching for a start, but our £35m man may be made to wait once again today!
Jacob Murphy – If Saint-Maximin is fit, he should always start above Murphy. However, the fact ASM only returned to training on Friday means Murphy seems likely to keep his place…for now. Hopefully we can see a late cameo from the Frenchman if he’s only deemed ready to return to the bench!
Ryan Fraser – Put in one of his best performances for NUFC when playing down the left last weekend, so I’d give him another chance to link up with Targett down that side. It’ll be interesting to see if he’s paired up against Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey.
Chris Wood – Desperately needs a goal, but is doing plenty of the dirty work for the team. For his confidence levels, I’m hoping he can finally get off the mark here – but it won’t matter if he plays a part in another Toon win!
How do you see us lining up? Will it be unchanged? Or do you fancy Bruno or ASM to be handed starts, should the latter pass a late fitness test?
