🏆 Brighton (H) Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line up and prediction

As inconsistency begins to creep back into Newcastle's up-and-down season, it is absolutely vital we begin building momentum again in what promises to be one of the biggest month of our season so far.

After a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in midweek, Eddie Howe's Mags have the chance to make the quarter-finals of the FA Cup, with an in-form Brighton side standing in our way in Sunday's fifth round tie at St James' Park.

The Seagulls have won four games on the spin since a 7-0 battering at Nottingham Forest to start February, while Newcastle have had a mixed bag of results, losing four of our last six league games, surviving a late scare in last Sunday's 4-3 win over Forest, but finding a way to keep on progressing in both cup competitions.

VAR will be in operation in a landmark weekend for offside technology in English football. Not only will the referee announce VAR calls during the game, we'll see semi automated offside technology used for the first time. 

Howe’s pre-match comments

On the FA Cup - "It is a huge competition. We know the importance of it, we don’t take it lightly. This will be a tough game, Brighton are in great form, this should be a really exciting cup tie. Their away form has been very strong, it will be a test for us, but one I am sure we can rise to."

On Isak's fitness - "I haven’t seen him since the game, we don’t think it is a long-term problem, but there was no risk taken on Wednesday and there can’t be at this stage of the season. We will see how he is today and have a discussion with him, if he is fit, he will play."

On Wilson, Botman and Joelinton - "Callum is okay, he took a cut to his eye, but he will be okay. Sven and Joe have a chance, today is a big day for them. Today we will see how close they are, whether they train with the team for the first time or not. Knowing both players, they will be keen to be involved."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hDB4FtduGg&t=469s&ab_channel=NewcastleUnited

Team news

Alexander Isak (groin) is unlikely to be risked, while a late call will be made on Sven Botman (knee) and Joelinton (knee) as both resumed training for the first time on Friday.

For the Seagulls, the game comes too soon for captain Lewis Dunk, while former Mag James Milner (hamstring), Igor Julio (hamstring) Jason Steele (shoulder) and Ferdi Kadioglu (toe) have been ruled out. Joel Veltman (foot) remains a doubt, while Tariq Lamptey and Adam Webster are also facing late fitness tests.

Predicted line-up

(4-3-3) Dubravka – Livramento, Schar, Botman, Hall – Miley, Tonali, Joelinton – Osula, Wilson, Barnes.

It's such a tough line-up to predict, as we have rotation options available who did well in the last round and a few injury doubts who may or may not start, along with the balancing act of starting our best XI vs protecting those who may need a rest.

I'm going to guess that Dubravka comes back in after being harshly dropped, and that Botman and Joelinton are OK to come back in. Howe may opt against playing both, but they need minutes in the next few games if they're going to be in a position to make the Carabao Cup final in a fortnight.

Gordon and Bruno are two players I'd be tempted to rest and we have capable options in reserve, with Barnes and Miley more than good enough.

I'm hoping Osula gets a chance to impress after shining on the right in our 3-2 win at Birmingham in the last round and, he could join Wilson in attack if the latter is able to start twice in five days.

Match prediction

Brighton are back in the mix for the European places, they've won four in a row and beat us 1-0 in their last trip to St James' Park earlier this season.

They won't make it easy and have been strong away from home this season, but I think we'll have just enough to edge them out to regain some momentum and book our place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Brighton

Howay the lads!