Newcastle v Brighton – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Newcastle hosts Brighton in the English Premier League on Saturday. The Magpies have lost just once this season, while the Seagulls have witnessed 15 goals in their last three league matches. The last four encounters between these sides have seen both teams score.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle has suffered only three losses in their last 16 league matches. Their only defeat this season in all competitions was a 3-1 loss to Fulham. That setback followed a strong start, with 10 points from their first four EPL matches, including 2-1 wins against Tottenham and Wolves.

Since the Fulham defeat, they’ve held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at home. They followed that with a 1-0 win at home in the Carabao Cup against AFC Wimbledon. Before the international break, they were held to a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park, with Anthony Gordon missing a penalty as the Magpies failed to score despite 14 attempts.

Newcastle Team News

The Magpies are missing defenders Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles due to long-term knee injuries. Both Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson missed the draw at Everton but are nearing a return to action.

Kieran Trippier has a hamstring strain, which could see Tino Livramento start. Lewis Miley is ruled out in midfield, while Lewis Hall and Sandro Tonali are expected to start in place of Lloyd Kelly and Joe Willock.

Newcastle Motivation

Newcastle will be aiming for all three points in this match, as a draw would be seen as a disappointing result.

They are aware that Brighton plays an open game with a high defensive line, so Eddie Howe’s side might look to sit back and hit the Seagulls on the counter using their pacey front three.

Brighton Form

Brighton has been inconsistent this season. They started well under new coach Fabian Hurzeler with a 3-0 win at Everton and a late 2-1 home victory over Manchester United. However, after a 1-1 draw against ten-man Arsenal, they extended their winless run in the league to four matches. A 0-0 draw at home to Ipswich followed.

A 2-2 home draw against Nottingham Forest saw Brighton outshoot their opponents 14-4. They then lost 4-2 at Chelsea, allowing an xG of 4.16. In their most recent match, they overturned a 2-0 deficit at home against Tottenham to lead 3-2 after 66 minutes and claim all three points.

Brighton Team News

The Seagulls remain without Solly March and João Pedro in attack. James Milner and Matt O’Riley are also unavailable in central midfield. Simon Adingra and Georginio Rutter face late fitness tests.

Brighton will hope to have Jan Paul van Hecke available in defense, as Adam Webster was injured against Tottenham. Igor Julio is on standby to start if needed.

Brighton Motivation

Brighton is unlikely to change their style for this match. In fact, they may double down on their expansive approach.

The Seagulls will not settle for a draw at any point and will play to win.

Key Stats

Newcastle has scored 35 goals in their last 17 EPL matches.

Newcastle has won 9 of their last 17 EPL matches.

Newcastle is unbeaten in 11 home league matches (28 goals scored, 6 wins, 5 draws).

Brighton has won 1 of their last 5 EPL matches (83 shots in those games).

Both teams have scored in Brighton’s last 4 matches against Newcastle.

Brighton’s last 3 EPL matches have produced 15 goals (8 conceded, 7 scored).

Verdict

These sides are both in similar form, collected 12 points so far in seven games. Brighton are poor on the road and very inconsistent. Newcastle are tipped to win this fixture.

Best Bet: Newcastle to win at 2.00

Alternate Bet: Over 3.5 goals at 2.15

High Value Bet: Both Teams to Score in Both Halves at 8.00