Brighton vs Newcastle United Preview

Newcastle face a stern test of the Champions League credentials when they travel to the south coast on Saturday, where they will face Brighton to possibly go five points clear of fifth place, the final Champions League qualifying spot this season.

Apart from their shock defeat to Aston Villa two weeks ago, Newcastle have been in scintillating form, winning seven of their last eight in all competitions. Despite Eddie Howe’s recent absence through illness, his side seem to have hit their stride at the best possible time.

Brighton will also come into this game on a high, after Carlos Baleba’s stoppage time stunner rescued all three points against West Ham last time out, keeping their slim European football hopes alive. However, if they lose this game, they are as good as eliminated from the race.

As this critical battle approaches, here is everything you need to know about both sides ahead of kick-off.

Where to Watch

This game will be broadcasted on Sky Sports Main Event, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 pm.

Key Statistics

• Brighton’s win against West Ham was their first in seven games, a run which has now seen them go five without a clean sheet.
• However, they are undefeated against Newcastle in their last four meetings, winning three of them.
• Newcastle have been on fire in front of goal recently, netting 16 goals in their last five fixtures in all competitions.
• With his goal against Ipswich last time out, Alexander Isak set a new personal best goal tally for Newcastle, taking his total to 26 for the season in all competitions.

Brighton Preview

Brighton Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Bart Verbruggen (GK); Pervis Estupinan, Lewis Dunk, Carlos Baleba, Mats Weiffer; Yasin Ayari, Jack Hinshelwood; Simon Adingra, Matthew O’Riley, Solly March; Danny Welbeck.

It was about time that Brighton returned to winning ways. Even during their dry spell, they have been attacking efficiently. The problem has been their defence: In the last five games alone, they have conceded 13 goals, the worst record of that period of time of any club.

It doesn’t help that centre backs Jan Paul van Hecke, Igor and Adam Webster, are out through injury, and it helps even less that extra defensive cover, such as James Milner and Ferdi Kadiolgu are also on the sidelines.

But that win over West Ham, and the manner in which it arrived, will have filled the Seagulls with hope for the end of the season. They know they are still in with a chance of Europe, and though Newcastle are a tall order, their recent history in this fixture is cause for optimism.

Newcastle United Preview

Newcastle Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Nick Pope (GK); Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Keiran Trippier; Joe Willock, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes; Anthony Gordon, Alexander Isak, Josh Murphy.

Carabao Cup winners, arguably the most in form team in the league, and soon to be back in the top echelon of European football, this season can already be qualified as an unqualified success for Eddie Howe and Newcastle.

After a somewhat underwhelming season saw them finish seventh last season, Howe’s squad has matured massively this season, despite some players, such as 24-year-olds Tonali and Gordon, still being relatively inexperienced in their youth.

Many of their young signings have started to thrive in sync with each other this season, a trait that has made Newcastle a very dangerous side. With Livramento, Tonali, Gordon, Lewis Hall and Isak all starting to head towards the peak of their powers, this could be just the start for this Newcastle team.

Brighton vs Newcastle United Head to Head

Recent Meetings:

• 02/03/2025: Newcastle 1-2 Brighton.
• 19/10/2024: Newcastle 0-1 Brighton.
• 11/05/2024: Newcastle 1-1 Brighton.
• 02/09/2023: Brighton 3-1 Newcastle.
• 18/05/2023: Newcastle 4-1 Brighton.

Brighton vs Newcastle United Betting Tip

While Brighton have been floundering in draws of late, this game holds a different echelon of importance to them. If they beat Newcastle, it will show them to be as equally capable of European football as the tynesiders, and given how things haven’t gone to plan recently, the odds are that Fabian Hurzeler will cook up a new approach, one which will catch Newcastle by surprise. Brighton will just about win this one.

Brighton vs Newcastle United Prediction

Brighton 3-1 Newcastle

Newcastle showed against Aston Villa that they can be vulnerable against high pressing teams that congest in the middle third. Brighton have more than enough midfield quality to devise a similar plan to Villa, and as long as they maintain their intensity throughout the 90 minutes, they should have Newcastle where they want them.