Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
In what is an all-Premier League showdown on Sunday afternoon, Newcastle will welcome Brighton to St. James’ Park as both camps look to extend on their respective FA Cup adventures.
Newcastle
As for the visitors, while Newcastle might have stormed their way to this season’s EFL Cup final as they claimed a thumping 4-0 aggregate victory against Arsenal, the Magpies are seeking some recent stability. Despite clinging to what was a remarkable 4-3 win against Nottingham Forest last weekend, Eddie Howe’s camp came immediately crashing back down to earth on Wednesday night. Eventually falling to a 2-0 loss at the hands of runaway leaders Liverpool, the former Bournemouth boss has seen his squad lose three of their previous four Premier League appearances. Likewise, hit with a 1-0 defeat when they welcomed Brighton to St. James’ Park back on October 19th, Newcastle should be bracing themselves for another stern examination on Sunday afternoon.
Newcastle Team News
Missing out away at Liverpool earlier in the week and dealing with a minor groin issue, attacking talisman Alexander Isak is not expected to feature here. All still sidelined with respective knee injuries, Howe’s side will once again be without the trio of Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Brazilian international Joelinton.
With Howe expected to make a handful of alterations on Sunday afternoon, academy graduate Lewis Miley could be handed a full recall. Arriving from Sheffield United last summer, 21-year-old William Osula should be handed the chance to lead Howe’s attack at St. James’ Park.
Brighton
As for the visitors, while Brighton might have opened February with an infamous 7-0 drumming at the hands of Nottingham Forest, Fabian Hurtzler’s side have come roaring back in some style. Putting in another eye-catching performance earlier in the week as they secured a 2-1 victory at home against Bournemouth, the Seagulls have reignited their European charge. Extending on their FA Cup adventure on February 8th as they secured a 2-1 win against Chelsea, the former St. Pauli boss has seen his squad win each of their previous four appearances against Premier League opposition. Enjoying what has become a recent purple patch, it should also be highlighted that Brighton have registered seven points from their last three meetings against the Magpies.
Brighton Team News
Missing out against Bournemouth on Tuesday night and dealing with a recent back issue, England international Lewis Dunk remains a doubt here. Likewise, not featuring since January 4th, Brazilian defender Igor is joined on the sidelines by the likes of Joel Veltman and ex-Liverpool star James Milner.
However, recently returning from yet another injury setback, Solly March will be hoping to get some more minutes under his belt at St. James’ Park. Finding the net in back-to-back Premier League appearances over the past week, former Watford starlet Joao Pedro will lead the line here.
Newcastle vs Brighton Key Factors to Consider
- When Brighton travelled to St. James’ Park for a Premier League meeting on October 19th, the Seagulls collected a 1-0 victory.
- In fact, Brighton have registered seven points from their previous three Premier League meetings against the Magpies.
- Newcastle have conceded 11 goals in just their last four appearances across all competitions.
- Brighton have won each of their last four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-2.
- Likewise, Sunday’s guests have won four of their last five showdowns away from the Amex.
Conclusion
Now shipping 11 goals in just their last four appearances across all competitions, Newcastle’s leaky defence could be asked some real questions on Sunday afternoon. Mustering just a single point from any of their previous three Premier League showdowns against the Seagulls, Howe’s side will meet a Brighton squad that are riding a recent wave of momentum. Winning their last four meetings against top-flight opposition by an aggregate score of 11-2, neutrals will be hoping for another enjoyable contest from St. James’ Park.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/13
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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