Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side welcome Brighton to St James Park on Thursday in a clash that could have major implications for their Champions League hopes.
The Magpies currently occupy third place in the Premier League, but a defeat to Arsenal followed by a draw to Leeds United has left the vulnerable.
With three games left to play, they need to pick up at least six points to ensure that Liverpool, who have won their last 7 in a row, don’t take their spot in the Champions League for next season.
A home game against a seemingly-relegated Leicester City followed by a trip to midtable Chelsea seem easy enough fixtures for the Magpies, but a loss against Brighton would leave them with plenty of pressure on their shoulders heading into them.
Here’s how we expect them to line up for the clash, and the latest team news from St James Park.
📰 Table Of Contents
Predicted XI
Team News
In form midfielder Jacob Murphy could miss out on the clash through an injury picked up against Leeds United, Eddie Howe revealed at his press conference ahead of the game.
However, there are more players sidelined. Matt Richie will miss the remainder of the season with an injury of his own, while Sean Longstaff could also miss out once more with a knock.
‘Matt has picked up a knee injury. I don’t think it’s too bad, but I think it will keep him out for the rest of the season’. Howe explained.
Meanwhile, Jamal Lascalles is also sidelined, as he confirmed on social media, and Ryan Fraser continues to train with the U21s.
Also out is Emil Krafth, who has been sidelined all season with a knee injury and is not expected back until next campaign.
