Prediction: Brighton vs Newcastle United

Verdict: Both teams to score – no

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: William Hill

Premier League newbies Brighton and Newcastle United head into the Sunday clash at Amex Stadium in contrasting forms but with the same game plan. Sitting at different ends of the standings both Seagulls and Toon are eager to grab three points that would be a significant morale boost.

Brighton

Brighton & Howe Albion have at times displayed glimpses of great quality at the beginning of their Preimer League campaign, particularly in their 3-1 victory over West Brom. Chris Hughton’s men went on to lose two games on the bounce however, and big questions remain of their Premier League credentials early in the season.

The forthcoming clash against Newcastle will be an emotional match for Seagulls who were pipped to last season’s Championship title by the Toon. Ultimately, it will be a chance for Chris Hugthon himself to get one back at a club that sacked him as manager in 2010. Brighton head into the Sunday’s match feeling slightly demotivated following two straight losses to Bournemouth – in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup – but they will be forced to shake off the blues and do their best to win what can be a crucial match this early in the season. Brighton have fixtures against Arsenal and Everton following the Sunday’s clash with Newcastle and a potential three points at home could come as a vital push in the back.

Team News

Captain Bruno, Glenn Murray and Gaetan Bong are back in contention at the best possible time for Brighton.

On the other side, hosts remain without Izzy Brown, Steve Sidwell, Biram Kayal and Sam Baldock for the upcoming clash.

Newcastle United

Unlike their Sunday rivals, Newcastle United had a full week to prepare for the upcoming match which could make a great difference in the end.

Rafa Benitez is a happy clam at the moment with his team enjoying a successful start to the Premier League despite negative summer predictions. The Spanish tactician did not get the support he expected in the transfer market. Newcastle did bring the likes of Jacob Murphy, Florian Lejeune, Christian Atsu, Joselu, Javier Manquillo and Mikel Merino but former Liverpool manager was expecting to see more quality players arrive to St James’ Park. His dedicated work at the training ground is producing fine results early in the season though with Newcastle sitting in fourth place in the standings. The Toon won three and lost two of their opening five matches and a possible win over Brighton – as fourth on the trot – would come as a timely push to the team’s confidence. Rafa Benitez is not taking anything lightly as he knows things can change in an instant, especially since his resurgent team is yet to find a regular goalscorer that will help them keep up the pace with Premier League leaders. Aleksandar Mitrovic is suspended while the last season’s star Dwight Gayle is out of his form.

Team News

Mitrovic remains suspended which means Joselu will continue to lead the line in attack.

Paull Dummet, Curtis Good, Massadio Haidara and Karl Darlow are set to miss out through injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Newcastle United won three games in a row
• Brighton lost two matches on the trot
• The Toon won last two meetings between the two sides
• Three of last 4 matches between Brighton and Newcastle produced Under 2.5 goals
• Both sides have important selection issues

Conclusion

There are no secrets between the two former Championship sides which had contrasting starts to their respective Premier League campaigns. Both teams are struggling in the scoring department and we do not exactly expect to see goals galore on Sunday.

Verdict: Both teams to score – no

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: William Hill