Newcastle United Predicted Lineup for FA Cup Clash vs Brighton

In the absence of Alexander Isak, Newcastle United failed to register a single shot on target in their two-goal defeat against champions-elect Liverpool at Anfield. Their attention this weekend now turns to a home tie with Brighton in the fifth round of the FA Cup at St James Park. Here’s how we think Eddie Howe might approach this tie in the hope of progressing to the last eight with his club already in the final of the Carabao Cup in a couple of weeks.

Newcastle United Predicted Lineup vs Brighton

How Newcastle Have Lined up Recently

It was the goalkeeper and back four in front of him that we all expected when Eddie Howe took his side to Anfield in midweek for a clash with in-form Liverpool. Nick Pope has won back the goalkeeper’s jersey from Martin Dubravka and barring any howlers should retain his spot in the coming weeks and a place in the starting lineup when the Carabao Cup final comes around.

Tino Livramento has also won his place back in the right-back area at the expense of Kieran Trippier with the consistent Lewis Hall as a full-back on the left-hand side. Fabian Schar and Dun Burn remain central defensive partners with Emil Krafth and Sven Botman edging closer to full fitness.

As he often does, Jacob Murphy again ran the right-hand side with Joe Willock on the left as Anthony Gordon tried to play as a number ten with the license to move either side to offer himself as a pass. Like a few others in the Newcastle side, Alexander Isak has played a lot of football recently and missed the game at Anfield after picking up a slight groin injury. That allowed Callum Wilson to lead the line against Liverpool and despite him looking rusty, it’s a boost to have him fit and available. It’s a choice between Wilson and William Osula to be the focal point of the attack. Osula, a £10million signing from Sheffield United, has been given the nod to start in previous FA Cup ties.

Newcastle Recent Form and Tactics

Howe’s normal 4-3-3 was tweaked slightly to a 4-2-3-1 in the cauldron of Anfield that saw captain Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali sitting as defensive cover against the champions-elect. It’s thirteen wins from their last seventeen games for Newcastle but they miss the man who can make all the difference in tight games, Alexander Isak. Their top-scoring Swede leads the line so well, that his understanding with all those around him sets him apart from others trying to reach his level of consistency.

Newcastle United Injuries to Consider

In contrast to the long-term absentee Jamaal Lascelles, Joelinton and Sven Botman are getting closer to being available for selection. Eddie Howe will surely have his eye on his potential starting eleven for the cup final as he looks to give vital game-time to those who need it.