Sven Botman set for first Newcastle United start against Brighton and Hove Albion

Sven Botman is set to make his full Newcastle United debut against Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon.

Eddie Howe’s side travel to the Amex Stadium in their first away game of the 2022-23 Premier League season, and NewcastleWorld understands Botman is in line to start.

The Netherlands under-21s star made his debut as a late substitute during last weekend’s opening day win against Nottingham Forest after Fabian Schar and Dan Burn retained their places in central defence.

Many predicted Botman would have a similar settling-in period to January signing Bruno Guimaraes, who had to wait six matches before making his first start away to Southampton.

However, Howe is ready to turn to Botman for the trip to the South Coast and hand the 22-year-old his full debut in front of a 3,100 sold-out away end.

The Magpies brought a successful end to their six-month-long pursuit of Botman when they agreed a £33million deal with Ligue 1 club Lille in June.

Botman impressed Howe throughout pre-season and the Magpies head coach explained why he opted against starting him against Forest last Saturday.

“They (Burn & Schar) were excellent second half of last season,” Howe said. “I have to say, together with Jamaal (Lascelles), who more than played his part.

“All three centre-backs for me, were excellent, but we needed more strength in depth, we couldn’t rely on three this season.

“Federico Fernandez has had his injury problems so we felt it was a position we needed to strengthen.

“Sven was a long-term target for us, we were delighted to sign him.

“But I think this period, however long it is before he gets his opportunity to start, will do him the world of good.

“He will get to know the league, the speed and I’ve got no doubts about him as a player. He’ll be a top player for this football club but there’s real competition for places.

“Dan, Fabian and Jamaal - they’re not going to give up their shirts easily. That’s a battle I love to see, knowing I’ve got that quality certainly bodes well for the season.”

Brighton, like Newcastle, head into their second match of the campaign having recorded an opening day at Manchester United.