Bruno Guimaraes to start? 4-3-3 Newcastle United predicted XI to face Brighton

Newcastle United vs Brighton: Predicted XI and Injury News Ahead of St James’ Park Clash

Newcastle come into Saturday’s Premier League home game against Brighton sitting 14th in the Premier League table with 42 points, still frustrated by that slim 1-0 loss at Arsenal last time out. Brighton, on the other hand, show up in much better shape, holding sixth place with 50 points and seriously pushing for a European spot as the season enters its final phase. Recent home form has been tough to watch for the Toon faithful, with five losses in their last six Premier League games at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe needs a big reaction, and he needs it immediately.

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Newcastle are dealing with a massive injury list for this one. Emil Krafth, Fabian Schär, Valentino Livramento, and Anthony Gordon are all sidelined, and those four absences dictate every choice Howe has to make this weekend. Losing Gordon is the biggest blow for the attack; the England winger offers a directness and a non-stop engine that nobody else in the squad can really match. Livramento being out on the right side also takes away one of the team’s best attacking defenders, a player whose pace and ability to drive forward really stretches the opposition.

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How the predicted lineup might take shape at St James’ Park?

Nick Pope will almost certainly start in goal, and very few fans would disagree. He is still one of the most reliable keepers in the league despite Newcastle’s leaky defence this year. Lewis Miley could fill in at right back because Livramento is out; it’s a role that asks for something new from the young midfielder, but his energy and high football IQ suggest he’ll handle it fine.

Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman should partner up in the middle, forming a physical duo with plenty of aerial power, even if Thiaw still has the odd lapse in concentration during one-on-ones. Dan Burn will likely keep his spot at left back, offering a calm presence on the ball and a steady left foot, though his lack of speed against tricky wingers is still a worry.

In midfield, Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães are expected to start. Tonali’s return from suspension earlier this season completely changed the dynamic of this midfield; his tenacity, passing range, and defensive work make him perhaps their most important player. Bruno Guimarães remains the creative spark, though he can sometimes go quiet when teams press him high up the pitch. Willock adds that box-to-box athleticism, occupying the right spaces, even if he doesn’t always find the clinical final ball, his movement deserves.

Up top, Jacob Murphy on the right, Jacob Ramsey on the left, and William Osula leading the line, looks like the most probable front three. Osula offers size and is happy to hold play up, though he still needs to be more clinical in front of the goal at this level. Ramsey has great technical ability and knows where the goal is, while Murphy’s directness and crossing give Newcastle a real weapon on the break. Considering Brighton like to hog the ball, catching them on the counter might be Newcastle’s best bet on Saturday.

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Newcastle desperately need all three points, and St James’ Park is exactly the kind of place where they can make that happen.

Newcastle United (4-3-3): Nick Pope – Lewis Miley, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Daniel Burn – Joseph Willock, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimarães – Jacob Murphy, William Osula, Jacob Ramsey.