'Eddie Howe has got a massive job on his hands' - Newcastle United fans react to team news ahead of Brighton clash as Graeme Jones makes three changes to Magpies starting XI

Magpies fans will have their eyes on whether former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is in attendance at the Amex with the 43-year-old believed to be close to finalising a deal to take charge at St James’s Park as talks regarding Howe's backroom team continue.

But on the field, United are without a win all season and now find themselves bottom of the Premier League following Norwich City’s win at Brentford this afternoon.

Newcastle take on a Brighton side who have started the campaign well, sitting eighth in the Premier League table, but the Seagulls are without a win in five games.

And Newcastle fans have reacted to the team news from the Amex.

@JohnPoulsonn: Absolutely baffled by this

@BarryBlakely: That's an attacking lineup - let's do this! #NUFC

@DykaRivers: I cannot wait for Eddie Howe to sort out this nonsense like #nufc

@Jackrogers567: Make or break for Shelvey now big big call #NUFC #BRINEW

@Kristian7Ross: Another seriously strange team selection by Graeme Jones - can only hope a miracle occurs today. #NUFC

@21Milner: Still playing a RB at CB and a winger at LWB. Don’t agree with the back line but let’s see what happens #NUFC

@DeanJohnson32: Can’t suffer that stupid formation. Jones speaks well but clearly has been part of the problem over the last 10 months given his selections for the last 3 games. Watch Brighton’s full/wing backs cause havoc tonight #nufc

@Baggytrousers79: Fingers crossed, toes crossed, everything crossed for a 1st win of the season for #NUFC. Come on the #Toon

@ajnealen: Eddie Howe has got a massive job on his hands, first cause of action has to be bringing in Schar and Fernandez and then sacking off this god awful five at the back, I don’t mind losing games but not having a go at teams is infuriating. #NUFC #BRINEW

@koryc07: no manager in world football is doing anything with that defence. good luck eddie howe

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor.