The Newcastle United starting eleven this season has been a constantly changing one.
The demands of so many matches (54 up to this point) has of course been a huge factor in that. When playing every midweek as well as weekend, changes have to be made in such a tough schedule.
Then you add suspensions and such a damaging number of injuries to so many first team squad players, it has ensured even more changes to the team.
Now with just four Premier League games left to go, it is all about trying to get back some kind of confidence and momentum ahead of the summer.
Eddie Howe has been getting players back as well, with Bruno Guimaraes making his first start at Arsenal after injury, Joelinton back available this weekend as well now after his two match suspension.
A media exclusive on Wednesday morning also revealing that Anthony Gordon has returned to training as well today.
So this is the Newcastle United starting eleven that I think will get us back in business against Brighton:
Pope, Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Tonali, Bruno, Joelinton, Ramsey, Gordon, Woltemade/Elanga
Nick Pope was good on Saturday I thought, had no chance with the Eze strike and I think the defence feels a lot more assured with him behind them. Ramsdale’s reluctance to come for balls into the penalty area counts against him.
Thiaw and Botman also did okay against the Gunners and Eddie Howe appears to have decided on keeping them together as a partnership to see out the season.
Lewis Miley performed well yet again at right-back when preferred to Kieran Trippier in Livramento’s absence. Whilst Lewis Hall was given a shift off at Arsenal after a poor 45 minutes against Bournemouth, I think he will bounce back into the team and back to form on Saturday.
Bruno back in tandem with Tonali was great to see last weekend and now Joelinton available as well to complete what used to be the go to midfield trio. I think Eddie Howe will play all three but I have a feeling he could well also find a place for Ramsey as well.
I think Eddie Howe will try something a bit different in terms of team formation and tactics against Brighton, Ramsey has been consistently good in an understated way and he can benefit further if United can control the possession more.
Anthony Gordon is sure to come back in for me and again though, I see a different formation and tactics to be used up front. My thought is that Eddie Howe could start with either Anthony Elanga to give us an attacking mobile pair with pace, or a more considered and possession based approach with Nick Woltemade.
Brighton are the Premier League form team with six wins and only one defeat in their last eight matches, so Newcastle United will need to be on their game if they are to get the win.