Injury scare & £95 double change: Newcastle United predicted starting XI vs Brighton

In a major boost for the Eddie Howe’s side, Alexander Isak will be available after missing the last three matches because of a broken toe. Anthony Gordon has led the line in the Swede’s absence in draws against Manchester City and Everton, while Will Osula was handed his first start for the Carabao Cup victory over AFC Wimbledon.

United, however, may have to wait another week before Callum Wilson returns. The 32-year-old is yet to feature this campaign because of a back and hamstring injury.

Howe explained: “Callum has trained but with Callum we'll continue to assess him day-by-day, we’ve got to try and make the right decision.

“As I say, it’s a day-by-day thing and we’re obviously in communication with him. The big thing with Callum is when we get him back we want to try and keep him back for as long as possible so we’ve got to make the right call.” 

The same process applies to Lewis Miley, who hasn’t featured since March, first because of a back issue and then a fractured metatarsal. As confirmed by Howe, Kieran Trippier won’t be involved as he is facing a few weeks out with a hamstring problem.

Brighton visit Tyneside sitting sixth in the Premier League table, one place above Newcastle on goal difference.

"Brighton are a difficult opponent - I think they have been historically for us,” admitted Howe. “We have won some, but we have lost some. They are very progressive, very attacking. I think it will be a good game between two very open teams."

Here’s the Newcastle United starting XI we’re predicting Howe to name: