Newcastle United expected starting XI versus Brighton - with big Allan Saint-Maximin call made

Published 4th Mar 2022, 16:07 BST

Updated 5th Mar 2022, 08:13 BST

Newcastle United host Brighton and Hove Albion looking to extend their unbeaten Premier League run to eight matches.

Eddie Howe’s side have been in tremendous form since the turn of the year with four wins and two draws significantly boosting their survival hopes.

The Magpies now sit four points above the relegation zone, with the visit of Brighton spelling the start of four games in 12 days for United.

Interestingly, Newcastle have never beaten the Seagulls in the Premier League - but they’ll be hoping that changes now.

The big team news is Allan Saint-Maximin’s fitness, with Howe revealing another late call will be made on the winger.

The Frenchman has missed the last two games with a calf injury, where he returned to France for specialised treatment.

Will he return against Brighton? Will Howe make any changes to his starting XI?

Here’s the line-up we expected the 44-year-old to name:

1. GK: Martin Dubravka

Kept his fourth clean sheet of the season last time out - and has only conceded three goals in the Premier League this calendar year.

Krafth has started the last two games at right-back. Javier Manquillo is back in contention but Howe sees no reason to drop the Sweden international.

The Switzerland star has been pretty much ever present since Howe’s arrival - missing just one of the head coach’s 14 games in charge.

January signing Burn has replaced captain Jamaal Lascelles in the starting XI, who missed the recent home win over Aston Villa, and has excelled.