Newcastle United host Brighton & Hove Albion in a mouth-watering Premier League contest.
Locked on 12 points apiece, Newcastle can leapfrog Brighton into sixth with victory – although they could go fourth until Sunday evening at minimum if Aston Villa lose at Fulham.
Brighton likewise can go fourth if they win and Villa fail to win elsewhere.
Team News
Kieran Trippier is ruled out for Newcastle with a hamstring injury.
Martin Dubravka (knee) and Alexander Isak (toe) could return, whilst Lewis Miley (metatarsal) and Callum Wilson (back) won’t be risked unless match fit.
Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles (both knee) remain absent.
Brighton could welcome Jan Paul van Hecke (groin) back after he missed their comeback win over Tottenham.
James Milner (hamstring), Solly March (knee), Carlos Baleba, Georginio Rutter and Simon Adingra (all knock) are doubts.
Adam Webster (hamstring), Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley (both ankle) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Newcastle host Brighton at St James’ Park on Saturday 19 October at 3pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle have claimed nine points in their last six meetings against Brighton (W2, D3, L1).
- Brighton have won one of their last five visits to Newcastle (W1, D2, L2).
- Newcastle have kept two clean sheets in their last seven home games against Brighton.
- Fabian Schar has been booked in each of Newcastle’s last two league matches (D2).
- Three of Brighton’s five yellow cards on the road in the top-flight this season came before half-time.
Prediction
Following their wasteful goalless draw at Everton despite dominating much of that game, Newcastle will be pleased with that clean sheet but they have to be more clinical in this much tougher game.
Brighton literally were a game of two halves against Tottenham because their first-half was sloppy in defensive marking, yet they were more clinically energetic in the second half with a clinical comeback.
This clash though is finely poised with both teams targeting a top-four push so I do expect this to be quite cagey, yet there is enough attacking quality for the game to open up especially if Brighton bring their high energy.
A draw therefore does feel likely unless one team scores first then defends resiliently.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Brighton
Result: Newcastle 0-1 Brighton
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