In the last season, Newcastle United emerged as the better team amongst the two when they came face to face with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Championship. The Magpies went on to win the title on the last day as a last-gasp goal from Jack Grealish of Aston Villa denied the Seagulls from lifting the Championship title.
A lot of water has been flown under the bridge since then and both the teams have gone through a sea of changes and this encounter will pose a different challenge to both teams. Unlike Huddersfield Town Chris Hughton’s men have been struggling to cope up with the pros and cons of the English top tier.
The Magpies started the season with back to back losses but they are now on a three-match winning run and would like to extend their streak when they visit the Amex stadium this weekend.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Newcastle United Lineup Against Brighton & Hove Albion
Defence
The absence of a proper number one hasn’t been a much problem for Newcastle as Rob Elliot has been pretty commanding in his position. The 31-year-old has been pretty good in his duty and is expected to take his position.
Jamaal Lascelles has been a sensation in the Toon defence. The 23-year-old has been handed the armband like the previous season and has done justice to his role pretty convincingly. He has only flourished with time since the season started and the gaffer will be relying a lot on his skipper.
Ciaran Clark has been an underrated performer for the Toon. He is likely to be given a major role in this match. Chancel Mbemba has been filling in the left back and is going t start the proceedings. Javier Manquillo will start on the opposite side.
Midfield
Isaac Hayden and Mikel Merino will be at the centre of the midfield. The duo has been playing well and Benitez will be needed the service of them to take them to the next level.
Attack
Matt Ritchie has been the attacking force for Newcastle. The 28 year has already added four assists to his tally this campaign and will be hungry for more. Christian Atsu has shown this season he can be very dangerous when he is on song. He will be on the left flank.
Ayoze Perez will try to push things up from the no. 10 position. Joselu will be the lone striker for Benitez’s side.
This is how they might line up:
