Newcastle United play host to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm) in their final home match of the 2023-24 Premier League season.
But this is no typical end of season affair. Eddie Howe’s side have everything to play with a top six - or possibly even top seven - finish at stake. European qualification didn’t seem likely just under two months ago but just one defeat since the March international break has propelled United back into contention.
Not only has Newcastle’s form improved, but has the injury status on their squad has too. Against Burnley last weekend, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron made their respective returns as second-half substitutes, while Nick Pope watched on from the bench. In a further boost this weekend, Kieran Trippier could also make his comeback.
Supporters are particularly eager to see Joelinton and Pope back in the starting XI but Howe’s comments to the media in the build-up to the game suggest they may to wait until next week at the earliest.
“They’ve trained well,” Howe said about Joelinton and Almiron. ”It’s been a good week for them, they were able to get some good work into their bodies. And yeah, they’re still building their robustness I suppose - it’s probably the best way of putting it because you need the load behind you to enable you to stay fit. They’re two key players.”
On Pope, Howe told NewcastleWorld: “If both goalkeepers were 100% fit that’s a very difficult call but I think Nick is still building himself back to his very best levels and again, similar to the outfield players, building his robustness through training.
“Last week, for me, was very clear, Martin deserved to play and Nick is still finding his rhythm from a long-term injury. Nick has had a really good training week, I have to say, I think he’s been really good this week.
“He’s been the Nick Pope we’ve seen for the majority of his time at Newcastle so he’s certainly in a really good place and building his strength.”
With that in mind, here’s our predicted Newcastle United predicted starting XI to take on Brighton:
1. GK: Martin Dubravka
With Pope still building up his "robustness", the Slovakian is set to continue in net.
2. RB: Tino Livramento
Livramento’s pace and athleticism down the right-hand side was key to the win at Burnley. More of the same will be required versus Brighton.
3. CB: Emil Krafth
Krafth has performed relatively well when moved into the centre of defence this season.
4. CB: Dan Burn
The Blyth-born defender has been a colossus for the Magpies in recent weeks having taken the captain’s armband in Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles’ absence.