Brighton vs Newcastle: Dan Burn and Aaron Connolly injury updates and predicted line-ups

Defender Burn went off against Southampton last weekend as a precaution with a hamstring issue and striker Connolly is back in training after a cracked rib.

Connolly was also sanctioned by the club for a breach of coronavirus restrictions.

The 21-year-old Republic of Ireland international reportedly invited a woman into a house in which he had been staying.

“Clearly a mistake has been made," said Potter. "Our position is quite clear. The players know their responsibilities, they know what they should or shouldn’t be doing.

“Aaron’s made a mistake, we’ve dealt with that. We’ve got a few to make a decision on. So I need to think about that. But he’s (Connolly) trained, he’s available and I will have to make the call."

Of Burn, Potter added, "He’s responded well," said Potter. "He will train tomorrow, he could be available for the weekend which is good news for us. Apart from that, there’s no fresh problems."

Tariq Lamptey, Solly March and Adam Webster are still out injured.

NEWCASTLE LATEST

Newcastle striker Miguel Almiron could make the squad after returning the training this week.

The Paraguay international has missed the last two games with a knee injury and will be assessed as head coach Steve Bruce considers his options.

Fellow frontman Callum Wilson (hamstring) is also back on the grass, but the game will come too soon for both he and Allan Saint-Maximin (groin), while defender Fabian Schar continues his recovery from a knee problem.

"They (Wilson and Almiron) are both back on the grass," said Bruce. "He (Wilson) is well into his rehabilitation, the same goes for Almiron. He trained for the first time yesterday. We’ll see how he is. Things are obviously improving.

"The same goes for Saint-Maximin. We knew Saint-Maximin and Callum, in particular, were nasty muscle injuries, which were obviously going to take time. You have to let nature take it’s course."

STARTING XIs

Brighton predicted starings XI: Sanchez; Veltman, White, Dunk, Burn; Bissouma, Gross, Lallana; Trossard, Maupay, Welbeck.

Newcastle predicted starting XI: Dubravka; Manquillo, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Shelvey, Hayden, Willock; Murphy, Almiron, Joelinton.

BRIGHTON Q&A - Questions from Newcastle United football writer Jordan Cronin

How do you assess Brighton and Hove Albion's season under Graham Potter so far?

The style of football has been good and when it clicks into place, Brighton are a match for any team in the Premier League.

They have lacked a cutting edge but they have also consistently leaked soft goals and that's why they are in a vulnerable position. But overall you can see the progress being made by Potter and if Brighton had a Danny Ings or a Callum Wilson up front, things may be very different.

Injuries to their first choice wing backs Tariq Lamptey and Solly March has also been a blow.

Are Brighton and Hove Albion fans confident of beating Newcastle United, despite their poor home form?

It's been such an abnormal season for all at Brighton, I don't think fans quite know what to expect. Their home form has been abysmal but the Southampton result last weekend will give them optimism.

Potter's men often struggle against well organised and defensive minded teams who sit back and soak up pressure. They have lost to West Brom away, while at the Amex they lost to Crystal Palace and have failed to beat Sheffield United, Burnley and Fulham at the Amex.

Is there a genuine belief that Brighton and Hove Albion will avoid relegation from the Premier League status?

I think the majority feel Brighton should have just enough to steer clear of trouble and I tend to agree with that.

Sheffield United and West Brom appear doomed and while Fulham have improved of late, I don't think they score enough goals to claw their way out. It could well be close though and a nervy finale for Albion and Newcastle.

Do you expect Graham Potter to adopt similar tactics with Andi Zeqiri at left-wing back - or could Dan Burn return?

Dan Burn is making progress after tweaking his hamstring during the 2-1 win at Southampton. The defender, who hails from Blythe, has not yet been ruled out and Graham Potter will leave it as late as possible before making a final call.

Inexperienced striker Andi Zeqiri did well in the second half at St Mary's as a makeshift wing back and could well be an option if Burn fails to recover in time.

Which Brighton and Hove Albion player should Newcastle be fearful of, i.e. the dangerman?

Adam Lallana has been excellent in the last two matches. Scored against Leicester and then dictated play at Southampton from a slightly deeper position. His vision and passing ability remains top class. Look out for Lewis Dunk from set pieces too...the defender has four goals this season.

Can I push you for a score prediction? Hard to call this one but I'll go for a narrow 2-1 win for Albion