Newcastle United and Brighton will go head-to-head in the FA Cup fifth-round at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon, with both teams pushing to make the quarter-finals of the competition.
The Magpies suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to league leaders Liverpool in midweek in the Premier League, while the Seagulls earned an impressive 2-1 win over high-flying Bournemouth to climb up to eighth place.
Both teams have got some injury concerns ahead of the game which will give the managers some decisions to make, and this is how GIVEMESPORT expect the sides to line up.
Newcastle Team News
Isak unlikely to be risked
Eddie Howe was dealt a blow when star striker Alexander Isak picked up a groin injury which ruled him out of the trip to Anfield, but the belief is that the injury isn’t serious. However, with the Carabao Cup final to come next week the Sweden international is highly unlikely to be risked from the start even if he’s fit.
Sven Botman and Joelinton also missed that game but after more training they are in contention to return for the clash, while Jamaal Lascelles remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury.
Newcastle Injuries and Suspensions
Player
Injury
Potential Return Date
Alexander Isak
Groin
02/03/2025
Sven Botman
Knee
02/03/2025
Joelinton
Knee
02/03/2025
Jamaal Lascelles
Knee
01/06/2025
Howe Drops Team News Update
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe shared an update on the status of his squad ahead of the game.
“I haven’t seen him since the game (against Liverpool). 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’s fit, he’ll play.
“Callum (Wilson) is OK – he took a cut to his eye, but he will be OK.
“Sven (Botman) and Joe (Joelinton) have a chance – today is big day for him. 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.”
Newcastle Predicted XI
Lewis Miley to start
Newcastle Predicted XI: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Miley, Willock; Murphy, Wilson, Barnes.
Newcastle Predicted Substitutes: Pope (GK), Livramento (DEF), Botman (DEF), Longstaff (MID), Joelinton (MID), Guimaraes (MID), Gordon (FWD), Osula (FWD), Isak (FWD).
Despite Howe’s comments that Isak will play if he is fit, the likelihood is he is named on the bench to avoid any risks with Callum Wilson getting the nod. Youngster Lewis Miley should also start in midfield after his fantastic form recently, meaning big-earners Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon and Joelinton must make do with a place on the bench.
Brighton Team News
Lewis Dunk still unavailable
Brighton have enjoyed some good form recently without captain Lewis Dunk and that will have to continue if they want to progress to the next round, with the defender still unavailable.
Ferdi Kadioglu, Jason Steele, Joel Veltman, James Milner and Igor will also miss the game through injury, leaving Fabian Hurzeler with the same squad he had in midweek to choose from.
Brighton Injuries and Suspensions
Player
Injury
Potential Return Date
Joel Veltman
Ankle
08/03/2025
Lewis Dunk
Chest
08/03/2025
Jason Steele
Shoulder
08/03/2025
Ferdi Kadioglu
Ankle
01/04/2025
James Milner
Hamstring
03/05/2025
Igor
Hamstring
01/06/2025
Hurzeler Drops Team News Update
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Hurzeler shared an update on the fitness of his squad.
“So far there’s no other change, hopefully it stays like this. Of course, we’re looking forward to our skipper Lewis Dunk being back, but I think that the game on Sunday will be a little bit too early.
Brighton Predicted XI
Danny Welbeck to start
Brighton Predicted XI: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Van Hecke, Webster, Hinshelwood; Baleba, O’Riley; Minteh, Rutter, Adingra; Welbeck.
Brighton Predicted Substitutes: Rushworth (GK), Estupinan (DEF), Wieffer (MID), Gomez (MID), March (MID), Gruda (MID), Ayari (MID), Mitoma (FWD), Joao Pedro (FWD).
The Seagulls are keen to push for European football next season and they have enough depth in the side that Hurzeler is likely to rotate here. Veteran striker Danny Welbeck should lead the line, leaving Joao Pedro on the bench to rest, while summer signing Matt O’Riley should start in midfield alongside Carlos Baleba.
£460,000-per-week trio benched as Alexander Isak decision made – Newcastle v Brighton Predicted XIs
