Seventh hosts sixth in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon when Newcastle United take on Brighton & Hove Albion at St James’ Park.

While the Magpies started the campaign in impressive form, they were winless in three league games before the international break, including a defeat at Fulham that ended their unbeaten record. However, victory here would potentially take Eddie Howe’s side back into the top four.

Fabian Hurzeler’s Seagulls are similarly ambitious and put an end to their own poor streak by performing a miraculous comeback from 2-0 down to beat Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Here’s 90min’s preview of a tantalising encounter in the north of England.

Newcastle vs Brighton H2H Results (Last Five Games)

Current form (all competitions)

Newcastle had a lengthy injury list for much of last season and it’s turning into a similar story this time around with some key players currently sidelined.

Central defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles won’t play again this year, while Kieran Trippier was substituted in the goalless draw with Everton with a suspected hamstring issue. The former England international will be out for a few weeks, but youngster Lewis Miley is back in training and may hope for a first appearance of the campaign.

Strikers Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson both missed that trip to Merseyside but Howe has revealed the Sweden international is in contention to play this weekend. The Magpies plan to take more time with Wilson’s recovery, however.

Newcastle predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Barnes.

Brighton also have issues in the final third. Joao Pedro is still struggling with an ankle problem and won’t feature, while Julio Enciso should be given time to rest after fainting on an airplane before playing in Paraguay’s World Cup qualifiers during the October international break.

Summer signing Matt O’Riley is still absent alongside Adam Webster, but Jan Paul van Hecke is back in contention and will likely partner Lewis Dunk in central defence. Solly March has been out for almost a year with a knee injury but could return to the matchday squad.

James Milner has suffered a setback in his recovery, while Simon Adingra, Georginio Rutter and Carlos Baleba are all doubts.

Brighton predicted lineup vs Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Veltman, Van Hecke, Dunk, Estupinan; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck.

There remain some key absentees in the Newcastle squad but manager Howe seems to be getting players back gradually and the return of Isak is undoubtedly a big boost.

Brighton were poor in the first half against Tottenham but managed to perform a remarkable turnaround to secure all three points. However, they can look open at the back especially away from home, being beaten 4-2 by Chelsea when they last left the south coast.

Expect an entertaining encounter with plenty of goal-mouth action and one that could end in a slender home victory.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Brighton

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