Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion: Preview and Prediction
A high on confidence Brighton & Hove Alibion will travel to Tyneside to take on Newcastle United on Friday as the hosts, who are currently in third place in the Premier League will face the side comfortably in the sixth spot.
The Magpies are going through a slump in the final stages of the season they have only earned one point from their last six matches with Manchester United and Liverpool breathing down their neck.
Both teams are chasing the European spots as Newcastle United are struggling to hold onto the UEFA Champions League spot while Brighton is a few wins away from being granted a spot in the UEFA Europa League.
Meanwhile, after suffering a shocking 1-5 defeat at home against Everton, Brighton made a stunning comeback as they dashed Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes with a 3-0 win at Emirates Stadium.
On the other hand, Eddie Howe’s side is coming into this game after being held to a 2-2 draw by Leeds United at the weekend and would be hoping to turn their fortunes around.
Current Form
Newcastle’s defense has been struggling lately, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last eight games and conceding goals in their last 17 matches. They suffered a 2-0 loss to Arsenal recently, which was only their second home defeat of the season.
Meanwhile, Brighton had a remarkable victory against Arsenal. They have been in good form and have scored in their last 12 Premier League games. Brighton’s away form has also been excellent this season, scoring 33 goals. However, they have struggled to keep clean sheets away from home, which will be concerning for manager Roberto de Zerbi.
Head to Head Record
Talking about the head-to-head record between these two clubs, they have clashed 15 times before in all competitions and Brighton has enjoyed an upper hand over Newcastle. The Seagulls have emerged victorious 6 times compared to Magpies 3. The other 6 games ended in a draw.
When Brighton faced Newcastle earlier in the season, the match ended in a goalless draw. However, what separates the two sides coming into this game is their defense. Brighton has an impressive defensive record against Newcastle, keeping eight clean sheets in their 11 Premier League encounters.
Team News
Both sides are dealing with multiple injuries
Newcastle will be missing four injured players: Sean Longstaff, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, and Matt Ritchie. Ryan Fraser will not be available after being excluded from the team. Of the injured players, Sean Longstaff might have a chance of returning before the season ends.
Meanwhile, Brighton are also dealing with injury issues. Striker Enciso left the field in tears in Arsenal’s game. However, manager De Zerbi is confident that he will be fit for the coming game. Jakub Moder, Tariq Lamptey, Jeremy Sarmiento, Adam Webster, Solly March, and Adam Lallana are all sidelined. Joel Veltman’s availability is uncertain due to a thigh problem.
If Veltman is unable to play, Moises Caicedo or Pascal Gross may play as right-back. Undav’s impressive performance against Arsenal might push De Zerbi to play him in attacking positions.
Predicted Starting XIs
Newcastle United (4-3-3): Nick Pope; Kieren Trippier, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, Daniel Burn; Joe Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak
Brighton (4-2-3-1): Jason Steele; Pascal Gross, Lewis Dunk, Levi Colwill, Pervis Estupinan; Moises Caicedo, Billy Gilmour; Kaoru Mitoma, Alexis Mac Allister, Julio Enciso; Evan Ferguson
Prediction
Although Newcastle United are above Brighton in the Premier League table, the current form of the Seagulls makes them favorites to win. Meanwhile, Newcastle United will have the home advantage and with the UEFA Champions League spot on the line, the Magpies are expected to push the Brighton team till the end.