Prediction: Newcastle vs Brighton

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster

Making their respective returns from October’s international break, Newcastle will welcome Brighton to St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the new campaign, Eddie Howe’s side entered October’s international break in the midst of a downbeat run. Last seen heading into the fortnight interval with a 0-0 stalemate away at early-season relegation candidates Everton, the Magpies failed to win any of their previous three Premier League appearances. Hit with what was a shock 3-1 drumming away at Fulham last month, the former Bournemouth boss has come under some reported scrutiny. Despite extending on their EFL Cup adventure on October 1st as they clinched a 1-0 win against League Two outfit AFC Wimbledon, Newcastle are seeking a recent clinical edge in the final third. In fact, Saturday’s hosts have failed to register more than a single strike in any of their last four matchups across all competitions.

Team News

Both still dealing with respective long-term knee injuries and yet to make a single appearance so far this season, Newcastle will once again be without the defensive duo of Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles. However, Howe’s camp are hopeful that attacking talisman Alexander Isak will be able to play some part at St. James’ Park.

While Anthony Gordon might have missed an infamous spot-kick away at former club Everton prior to the international break, the England international will lead Newcastle’s charge. Recording three goals in his previous five Premier League appearances, ex-Leicester star Harvey Barnes will join Gordon in the final third.

Brighton

As for the visitors, mounting what was a sensational second-half comeback against Tottenham prior to October’s international break, Brighton will be desperate to use that flurry as a platform to build on. Eventually leaving the Amex with a 3-2 victory, new boss Fabian Hurzeler has seen his squad gain plenty of plaudits. With their sights firmly set on mounting a genuine European charge this season, the Seagulls have lost just one of their first nine appearances across all competitions. However, despite extending on their EFL Cup adventure on September 18th as they secured an action-packed 3-2 victory against Wolves, Saturday’s guests will know the importance of finding some crucial defensive resolve. Signing off September with a frantic 4-2 loss at the hands of Chelsea, Brighton have shipped at least a pair of goals in all of their last four appearances.

Team News

Dealing with some injury issues over the past month, Brighton will travel to St. James Park without Brazilian marksman Joao Pedro on Saturday afternoon. Likewise, big-money summer recruit Matthew O’Riley remains on the sidelines after undergoing ankle surgery last month.

While Georginio Rutter might have spent October’s international break deal with a knock, Brighton remain hopeful that the former Leeds talisman will be okay to feature this weekend. Finding the net against Spurs prior to the fortnight interval and already registering four Premier League strikes, Danny Welbeck will be looking to extend on his flurry.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Newcastle and Brighton last met back on May 11th, Saturday’s opponents played out a 1-1 stalemate at St. James’ Park.
• Brighton have conceded at least a pair of goals in each of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, continuing on from last season, the Seagulls have recorded just three clean sheets from any of their last 16 showdowns against Premier League opposition.
• Newcastle failed to win any of their final three Premier League appearances prior to October’s international break.
• Each of the last four meetings between Newcastle and Brighton have finished with both teams finding the net.

Conclusion

Two sides who have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet, neutrals will be hoping for another enjoyable showdown from St. James’ Park. With Saturday’s opponents playing out a 1-1 stalemate when they last met back on May 11th, each of their previous four Premier League meetings have finished with both teams finding the net. With Brighton shipping a pair of strikes in all of their previous four matchups across all competitions, we are expecting chances to fall at both ends of the pitch.

Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Luckster