Joelinton returns as Newcastle seek to end four-match losing streak against Brighton

Key facts

• Newcastle have lost four successive Premier League matches.
• Joelinton returns from a two-match suspension, replacing Jacob Ramsey in the starting XI.
• Anthony Gordon is not fit to start but is on the bench after a hip injury.
• Danny Welbeck captains Brighton, replacing Georginio Rutter as the only change from the side that beat Chelsea 3-0.
• Kick-off is at 3pm BST on Saturday at St. James' Park.
• Newcastle's home form has been a concern, with Eddie Howe acknowledging 'a lot riding on this weekend'.

Howe's side look to halt slide

Newcastle United host Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday in their penultimate home fixture of the 2025/26 season, desperate to reverse a run of four straight Premier League defeats. The Magpies have lost to Arsenal and Bournemouth in their last two outings, and a fifth consecutive loss would deepen the pressure on Eddie Howe's squad. Brighton, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by a 3-0 victory over Chelsea in their previous match.

Joelinton recalled, Gordon on bench

Eddie Howe has made one change to the starting lineup, with Joelinton returning after serving a two-match suspension. The Brazilian midfielder replaces Jacob Ramsey in what Howe described as a decision to bring back a player of 'huge quality'. Anthony Gordon, who missed the defeats to Bournemouth and Arsenal with a hip injury, is deemed fit enough for the bench but not to start. Howe said he would assess Gordon's fitness 'closer to the game' after the winger completed part of a training session on Wednesday.

Brighton make solitary change, Welbeck captains

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has made a single alteration to the side that thrashed Chelsea 3-0, with Danny Welbeck coming in for Georginio Rutter. Welbeck, who has a strong goalscoring record against Newcastle, will captain the visitors. The rest of the lineup remains unchanged, with Bart Verbruggen in goal and a midfield anchored by Pascal Gross and Carlos Baleba.

Defensive reshuffle and set-piece concerns

Howe revealed that he changed the backline last week in response to an insufficient number of clean sheets. The decision included switching goalkeeper and adjusting Lewis's position, a move Howe said was 'a collective thought' aimed at adding height for set-pieces. 'There's pros and cons to every decision,' he noted, but the team's defensive performance against Arsenal was 'a big upturn'.

Woltemade and Wissa form promising partnership

Howe praised the developing partnership between Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, who combined for a goal against Arsenal. Woltemade, who scored in the reverse fixture against Brighton in October, has been training well and benefiting from larger squad sessions. Wissa, returning from a September injury, has shown an upward trajectory in performance, though Howe acknowledged the challenge of getting him to full physical condition.

Stakes high for Newcastle's home form

Newcastle's home record has been a weak point this season, and Howe admitted 'a lot riding on this weekend'. The team looked confident and defended well against Arsenal, but must back that up at St. James' Park. With only two home games remaining, the pressure is on to secure a result that could steady a faltering campaign.

The bottom line

• Newcastle are on a four-match losing streak and need a win to arrest their slide.
• Joelinton's return from suspension bolsters midfield; Anthony Gordon is available from the bench.
• Brighton make one change, with Danny Welbeck starting and captaining the side after a 3-0 win over Chelsea.
• Eddie Howe has reshuffled his defense to improve clean-sheet numbers and set-piece defending.
• Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa are forming a promising attacking partnership.
• Newcastle's home form is under scrutiny, with Howe acknowledging the high stakes of the fixture.