Newcastle United visit Brighton at the Amex Stadium this afternoon in the hope they can make it two Premier League wins from two. Last Saturday's win over Nottingham Forest the ideal start to the campaign and a repeat performance is hoped for.
Eddie Howe has a few injury concerns to deal with and has been unable to strengthen his team with new additions in recent weeks. The Magpies boss still has a few decisions to make over his team selection too.
Here is how our Chronicle Live writers think Howe's Newcastle should line-up on the south coast in their second Premier League tie.
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Lee Ryder
I think Eddie Howe will stick with a winning line-up at Brighton after the success of the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest. There's been no indication of Sven Botman starting yet with Howe keen to ease him into the team.
Jonjo Shelvey's continued absence points to a starting slot as anchor man for Bruno while Joelinton was excellent against Forest. It's hard to see Howe changing Joe Willock for Sean Longstaff but if there was a change in midfield that's what I think it could be.
The front three deserve the nod again but Almiron is being pushed relentlessly by Ryan Fraser. On paper, this team is good enough to go to Brighton and win in my opinion so here's to another good day for Newcastle fans.
Lee's team: Pope, Trippier, Burn, Schar, Targett, Joelinton, Bruno, Willock, Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Almiron
Aaron Stokes
I'm in the minority among my colleagues here but I think Newcastle could benefit from a change in Eddie Howe's line-up. I would keep Nick Pope and the back four in place after the win over Nottingham Forest, despite the clamour for Sven Botman to be thrown in from the outset.
The midfield area is where I'd make my switch. Joe Willock got the nod against Steve Cooper's side but I'd like to see Sean Longstaff start in his place, alongside Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes.
The local lad enjoyed a really good partnership with the latter in pre-season and has looked better than ever in recent months. In attack, I'd like to see the same front three deployed at the Amex Stadium.
Aaron's team: Pope; Trippier, Burn, Schar, Targett; Guimaraes, Joelinton, Longstaff; Almiron, Saint-Maximin, Wilson
Ciaran Kelly
I would also name an unchanged side for this one. Yes, Brighton will offer a very different test than Nottingham Forest, but the Magpies produced their most dominant display in years on the opening day and none of those who started that game should come out.
The reality is that Newcastle have decent depth in a number of areas now so these starters already know there are others in reserve, such as Sven Botman, Sean Longstaff and Ryan Fraser, desperate to take their place. That should be enough of a warning to them to produce another good display at the Amex.
Ciaran's team: Pope, Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett, Bruno, Willock, Joelinton, Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
Andrew Musgrove
It’s hard to see Eddie Howe changing a winning side. Newcastle United performed so well against Nottingham Forest that anyone dropping out could consider themselves unfortunate.
But Brighton is a different test to Nottingham Forest - a much bigger test. The only man whose place may be under threat is that of Joe Willock. Did he do enough against Forest which means Bruno Guimaraes stays in the deeper role? Maybe not, but it’s not as if he performed poorly, and Bruno looked right at home filling in for Jonjo Shelvey.
I really can’t see Howe switching it up, but I do feel it’s a big game for the likes of Willock and Almiron - with options ready to come, these two are probably most under threat to drop out against Manchester city. For me though against Brighton, it’s an unchanged side.
Andrew's team: Pope; Trippier, Burn, Schar, Trippier; Guimaraes, Joelinton, Willock; Saint-Maximin, Almiron, Wilson
Chris Knight
A trip to the Amex presents a very different tactical challenge for Howe's side, but I would stick with the starting eleven who earned plaudits for the performance last weekend. This would mean Botman remaining on the bench, but I would not unsettle the defence by choice against a side who will likely dominate possession.
Newcastle's best route to success will likely come through pace on the break, which is why Almiron and Saint-Maximin should serve as ideal ball carriers. Joelinton and Willock will also be required to cover a lot of yards, while the pair along with Guimaraes should have the composure in possession to compete with Brighton's midfield
Chris' team: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett; Joelinton, Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
Sean McCormick
They say never change a winning team and that would probably be wise in Newcastle's case this afternoon. Longer term, Newcastle will hope to integrate Sven Botman into the side but, like Bruno Guimaraes before him, he will have to be patient in waiting for his chance as long as the Magpies are winning games and Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are performing well.
Brighton will be a bigger test of Newcastle's credentials than Nottingham Forest but United will hope the same midfield and forward line will be as dangerous in transition as they were last weekend.
Sean's team: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett; Bruno, Willock, Joelinton; Almiron, Saint-Maximin; Wilson
Stuart Jamieson
There could be no complaints if Eddie Howe fields the same XI which started the victory over Nottingham Forest, such was the dominance of the performance. But there is one tweak I would make for the trip to Brighton. Chances will be few and far between against a well-drilled Seagulls side, and for that reason I would opt for Ryan Fraser in place of Miguel Almiron.
I'm a big fan of the Paraguayan, but Newcastle simply can't afford to waste any chances to give Callum Wilson a sniff at goal - and Fraser could possibly be the better option in that regard. It would be harsh indeed on Almiron, but if he does get the nod, he must show he can be a regular provider for United's No 9.
Stuart's team: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett; Bruno, Willock, Joelinton; Fraser, Saint-Maximin; Wilson
