With kick-off just a few hours away, it’s time to predict the 11 we expect to start at St James’ Park tonight.
Here’s the XI we think Eddie Howe could go with and why:
(4-3-3): Pope – Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn – Willock, Bruno, Joelinton – Almiron, Isak, Saint-Maximin.
For me, the only debate comes in attack. Do we go again with Isak and Wilson in the same side? Could Saint-Maximin return or may we even see a rare start for Anthony Gordon?
It seems extremely harsh on Wilson, but I wonder if Howe will go for a side that’s able to carry the ball at pace and hit Brighton the counter, as the hosts are likely to dominate possession.
Our number nine has seven goals in his last five games, but he’s also made a huge impact off the bench. If we are to play a counter-attacking game, Isak’s ability to carry the ball and drive at Brighton’s defence alongside ASM could cause huge problems.
The midfield picks itself now Longstaff is out and I don’t see the back four changing. Murphy could’ve replaced Almiron on the right if fit. However, he’s been struggling with a calf injury, so I’d expect him to be on the bench at best.
