Overview
- Eddie Howe warned his squad that last season is “history,” urging players to prove themselves again as they enter a demanding two-week spell after regaining momentum with wins over Union Saint-Gilloise and Nottingham Forest.
- Newcastle’s October schedule begins at Brighton on October 18, then brings home games against Benfica in the Champions League on October 22, Fulham in the Premier League on October 25 and Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup on October 30.
- Craig Pawson has been appointed to referee the Brighton match, a selection drawing scrutiny after contentious calls in last season’s fixture between the sides.
- Brighton will assess Diego Gomez after he limped off during Paraguay duty, with Brajan Gruda, Jack Hinshelwood, Adam Webster and Solly March already ruled out for the weekend.
- Newcastle report no fresh injuries from international duty for key players including Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.