Newcastle United continue their fight for survival as Eddie Howe’s Magpies welcome Brighton to St James’ Park.
Victory would see Newcastle stay 14th but move further away from the relegation zone, whereas Brighton can go ninth with a win if Southampton lose elsewhere.
Team News
Matt Ritchie is nearing a return for Newcastle after recovering from a knee injury which has kept him out since early January, although he won’t be risked until he is declared match fit.
Allan Saint-Maximin (calf) could also be in contention if he manages to complete the final training session without further issues.
Kieran Trippier (foot), Jamal Lewis (groin), Isaac Hayden (knee) and Callum Wilson (calf) remain absent.
Brighton could welcome Adam Lallana and Jeremy Sarmiento back from respective hamstring injuries.
Adam Webster (groin) and Enock Mwepu (hamstring) remain ruled out.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle are winless in nine previous Premier League meetings against Brighton (D5, L4).
- Brighton have dropped four points in four Premier League visits to St James’ Park without conceding any goals (W2, D2).
- Newcastle are yet to win a penalty in nine previous Premier League meetings against Brighton.
- Eddie Howe’s Magpies have kept just one clean sheet in their last five home league matches (W2, D2, L1).
- Brighton are looking to avoid going four consecutive league matches without scoring since enduring a six-match run between March – April 2019.
Prediction
Now seven matches unbeaten, Newcastle should feel confident of survival especially after a well-drilled disciplined display at Brentford last weekend, where they were organised in defence and clinical with their creative attacks from both flanks.
Brighton meanwhile seem to have lost their way slightly in recent weeks with another wasteful attacking effort in last weekend’s loss against Aston Villa, in which poor marking twice proved their downfall but the Seagulls know that this is winnable given their recent form against Newcastle.
I however am expecting Newcastle to make this a more competitive clash than some might expect, complete with their first Premier League win against Brighton.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-0 Brighton
Result: Newcastle 2-1 Brighton
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