'It's a really tough call': Team selection and transfer dilemmas as Newcastle United face Brighton

Our writers Liam Kennedy and Jordan Cronin tackle the key issues heading into the Premier League clash, with transfers and team selection on the agenda.

Would you make any changes to the side that won at West Ham?

LK: “It’s a really tough call but it has to be horses for courses as a Premier League manager. If you play the same team with the same tactics every week it won’t always work. Steve Bruce has to decide whether the physical, aggressive approach employed against West Ham – two up front and Andy Carroll – will work against the footballing side of Brighton. You can definitely make a case for Miguel Almiron coming back in. Despite Mark Gillespie’s outstandingly assured show – with cross confidence and excellent distribution – Karl Darlow will likely remain in goal.”

JC: “It’d keep the same starting XI – if possible. For me, a fully fit Carroll has to start and I think we saw against West Ham how well he and Callum Wilson complimented each other in a front two. I never had Jeff Hendrick down as a right midfielder but I thought he was excellent last weekend – probably man of the match. There is a case to start Almiron but using him as an impact sub might not be a bad idea. No one could complain if Gillespie got the nod ahead of Darlow but the latter has waited long for his chance, so he deserves – and will get – a run of games.”

Is it too early to start Ryan Fraser?

LK: “Probably, but the lad looked super fit in the hour he got against Blackburn. His run off the left was top class for the goal, so too was the finish. Another start in the League Cup next week and I think he won’t be a million miles of his first Premier League run out from the off.”

JC: “I’d say it is too early, yeah. Had Newcastle lost at West Ham then I would have been tempted to start him based on his lively performance in midweek but I believe Newcastle will have enough to get a result without him. Again, it’s another decent option from the bench.”

What areas does Steve Bruce need to strengthen?

LK: “Bruce still needs a striker. With Dwight Gayle out medium-term United need to add a loan player at least in this department, as beyond Callum Wilson and injury-prone Andy Carroll, Joelinton has proven he cannot be relied upon. Beyond that I would love to see another midfielder brought to the club as I think United are light if Isaac Hayden or Jonjo Shelvey get knocks, but that’s in an ideal world. Sean Longstaff is not a central midfielder, and despite the fact I like Dan Barlaser, it would be a big ask to play him in the top flight, if he even makes the 25-man squad, which at this stage looks unlikely. Another defender, be it a left-back or a centre-half would provide cover also.”

JC: “I almost forget that Joelinton is an option in the striking department. If Wilson or Carroll gets injured then United are back to square one because, and I hate to say, the Brazilian offers very little and that doesn’t look like changing any time soon. As pointed out by wanting Arsenal’s Rob Holding on loan, Bruce needs another centre-back and I’d add a right-back into the equation as well – that’s even if DeAndre Yedlin does stay put.”

Will Newcastle have a busy end to the window or quiet?

LK: “I have a feeling United might be busy. The loan market will start to hot up in the coming weeks but importantly United need to shift a few out the door before they realistically can add to their ranks. Christian Atsu has to go, so too DeAndre Yedlin and let’s not even start with some of the other hangers on.”

JC: “I’d be surprised if the club didn’t sign a central defender before the window shuts and as Liam pointed out, there are still a number of players who need to be moved out. But certainly, in terms of incomings, the loan market is something Newcastle will be looking to take advantage of.”