Both sides were rivals in the Championships for promotion a couple of seasons ago. This season, Brighton and Newcastle are contenders again for relegation battle with only one point difference between them. This weekend they will be squaring off for securing points for safety. The Seagulls are on the 16th while the Magpies are just sitting below them.
The teams’ previous games
Brighton snatched an important win last weekend while travelling to Southampton. Darren Potter’s men thumped The Saints 2-1. Lewis Dunk and Leandro Trossard scored their winning goals while Southampton only responded once by Che Adams.
Meanwhile, the Toon Army failed to pick up three points while taking on Aston Villa last weekend. They conceded first by Ciaran Clark’s own goal. Luckily, the skipper Jamal Lascelles found the back of the net to equalise through his header before the final whistle.
Possible tactic
Darren Potter is likely to employ the 4-4-2 again here. The former Manchester United and Arsenal man, Danny Wellbeck should get a nod again as the frontman accompanied by Neal Maupay. In the midfield, Adam Lallana and Yves Bissouma will be in the middle while Leandro Trossard plus Pascal Gros are operating in both flanks. Unfortunately, some key men will miss out this fixture. They are Solly March, Tariq Lamptey, Adam Webster and Aaron Connolly.
Steve Bruce seems to be sticking on his 4-3-3 formation but Miguel Almiron, Allan Saint Maximin and Callum Wilson are still on the sideline. Thus, Andy Carroll shall feature as the targetman accompanied by Joelinton and Ryan Fraser or Jacob Murphy who are pushed forward. In the midfield, Joe Willock, Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden will be covering the area.
Players to watch
Brighton’s top performers this season are the skipper Lewis Dunk who has scored four goals, the German winger Pascal Gros with two goals and five assists and the Belgian international Leandro Trossard who has notched up three goals and four assists so far.
The Toon Army’s leftover key figures to watch here are the former Hoffenheim man Joelinton contributing one goal and two, Jonjo Shelvey contributing one goal and assist each, Jamal Lescelles who has bagged two goals and the goalie Martin Dubravka.
Brighton vs Newcastle Prediction
It is an exciting as well as decisive game for both sides. Brighton should have the advantage to play at home but Steve Bruce’s men will not give up easily saving their future at the top flight next season. In this tight affair, the match could end in a tie.
Betting odds
There is no clear favourite in this clash. Lewis Dunk and Co are projected to win at 13/19, whereas Newcastle’s win market is at 31/5. The odds for the draw result are at 11/4.
