After a catastrophic start to the season, Newcastle are slowly starting to find their feet in the second tier.

Shock losses to Fulham and Huddersfield left Newcastle with no points after two games - having been widely tipped to win the league.

But after a double triumph over Reading and Bristol City last week, as well as beating Cheltenham in the cup in midweek, it appears that Newcastle are starting to come good under Rafa Benitez after spending a lot of money on new players this summer.

On paper Newcastle have a good enough squad to beat anyone in the league, but they face their biggest challenge of the season so far when Brighton visit St. James' Park on Saturday evening.

After narrowly missing out on promotion by goal difference, Brighton have returned with the same hunger and desire that they had last season and are currently sitting in second place with eight points from their first four games.

Although it will be a test, Newcastle have the resources to win this Saturday's clash and should emerge victorious if they field this starting XI...

GK: Matz Sels

Matz Sels has been first choice goalkeeper so far following his summer arrival from Gent.

Karl Darlow got a run out on Tuesday against Cheltenham but the Belgian should return to the starting line-up for this weekend's clash with Brighton.

RB: DeAndre Yedlin

Newcastle sold Daryl Janmaat to Watford and snapped up USA international DeAndre Yedlin as his replacement this week.

The speedy attack-minded 23-year-old will provide a real threat going forward, and has Premier League experience from his time on loan at Sunderland from Tottenham.

CB: Chancel Mbemba

Chancel Mbemba has been subject to interest from Valencia and Arsenal recently, which is testament to the 22-year-old's talent.

The DR Congo international is more than capable at this level, and should be starting for the Magpies.

CB: Jamaal Lascelles

Benitez has shuffled his pack in the opening few games but Mbemba and Lascelles should probably be his first choice centre back pairing.

Ciaran Clark and Grant Hanley are also very competent so everyone will need to be performing at a high standard to stay in the side.

22-year-old Lascelles has been given the captaincy this year and has shown maturity beyond his years with recent performances.

LB: Jesus Gamez

Gamez just pips Paul Dummett to the left- back position in this side.

After making his debut against Cheltenham in the cup, Gamez hopefully now has enough fitness to start a league match.

The 31-year-old can play on either side as a full-back and should grow into this Newcastle team with more game time.

CM: Jonjo Shelvey

Jonjo Shelvey's attitude can be his downfall sometimes, but Benitez will have to gamble on this one.

On his day he is a phenomenal player and way too good for the second tier.

With a number of alternative options waiting in the wings, Benitez should start the sporadic England international with the threat of a substitution if the 24-year-old is not bothering.

CM: Jack Colback

The perfect compliment to Shelvey is workhorse Jack Colback.

The tough-tackling, tidy central midfielder will look to break down attacks in front of his back four.

With Isaac Hayden and Vurnon Anita also available, both Colback and Shelvey will need to be impressing to stay on the pitch.

RM: Matt Ritchie

Newcastle pulled off a coup by landing one of Bournemouth's top performers last season, and they will need him to be on top form amid a bit of an attacking injury crisis.

The left-footed 26-year-old has a fantastic delivery and can strike the ball as well.

The Scotland international can cause Premier League defences plenty of problems, so he will thrive once he finds his feet properly in the Championship.

CAM: Mo Diame

Landing Mo Diame was another smart piece of business by Benitez this summer.

The former Wigan, West Ham and Hull midfielder has vast knowledge of the English game and experience at Championship level.

The attack-minded 29-year-old midfielder links the midfield and attack well and can also contribute with goals, as he proved at Hull in the Championship last season.

LM: Yoan Gouffran

After Rolando Aarons suffered a foot injury against Cheltenham, Yoan Gouffran could be set for another start.

It initially seemed like he might be set for the exit door, but the 30-year-old was reintroduced to the team in the last two league games and impressed his boss.

The Frenchman should start this game, hoping to nail down his starting spot with more good displays.