Newcastle United return to action following the international break with an away trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Eddie Howe’s side were beginning to build up some momentum prior to the break through back-to-back wins against Union Saint-Gilloise and Nottingham Forest. However, they now travel to a ground they’ve never won at in the Premier League.
The visit to the South Coast is the first of seven games in 22 days for the Magpies, meaning Howe will have to manage his squad carefully to avoid picking up any potential injuries.
Newcastle are set to welcome back £39million summer signing Jacob Ramsey following seven games out with an ankle injury, while Yoane Wissa remains for at least another two weeks.
Wissa joined from Brentford for £55m on September 1 but is yet to make his debut due to a knee injury sustained on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As it stands, United are without a recognised left-back. Tino Livramento is out until the end of November, though Lewis Hall is expected to return in the coming weeks after a scan on his hamstring injury revealed better news than first feared.
In terms of fresh injuries, Lewis Miley withdrew from England under-21s duty with a calf complaint but should be fine to feature at the Amex. Brazil reported a groin issue for Joelinton but he too is hopeful of being in contention this afternoon.
Here’s how Newcastle United are predicted to line-up against Brighton:
5. LB: Dan Burn
With both Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall sidelined, Burn is set to continue at left-back for the foreseeable future. | Getty Images
6. CM: Sandro Tonali
A man who simply doesn’t tire. The Italian is absolutely integral to Newcastle United. | AFP via Getty Images
7. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Guimaraes travelled to South Korea and Japan during the international break, but not that it seemed to bother him as he started both games for Brazil. | Getty Images
8. CM: Jacob Ramsey (in for Joelinton)
Joelinton insists he is fit, despite Brazil flagging a groin issue, though Newcastle may not want to take the risk. Ramsey has trained continuously for a fortnight after recovering from an ankle issue. | Getty Images