Newcastle vs Brighton Preview
- Draw or Newcastle win
- Both teams to score
Newcastle’s Quest to End Winless Streak
Newcastle United started the 2024/25 Premier League season strongly but hit a minor stumbling block heading into October’s international break, enduring a three-match winless run (D2, L1).
Their most recent outing was a frustrating 0-0 draw at Everton, where former Toffee Anthony Gordon missed a penalty, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Eddie Howe’s side will look to get back on track as they return to St James’ Park, where they have enjoyed solid form against Brighton in recent meetings.
The Magpies are unbeaten in their last three home H2Hs with the Seagulls (W2, D1), and they will take confidence from their overall league form at home, where they are unbeaten in 11 matches (W6, D5).
Impressively, Newcastle have scored 2+ goals on seven occasions during this run, making St James’ Park a difficult place for visiting teams.
Brighton’s Defensive Concerns on the Road
Brighton have had a promising start to the season and currently sit one place above Newcastle in sixth, thanks to a superior goal difference.
The Seagulls showed great resilience in their last match before the international break, coming from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Spurs 3-2, marking their first such comeback in a league game since December 2015.
However, their away form has been a cause for concern. Brighton have managed just one win in their last nine away Premier League outings (D4, L4), with defensive issues playing a significant role in their struggles.
The Seagulls have kept just two clean sheets across that run, and their vulnerability on the road could be exposed by a Newcastle side that has shown they can be potent in attack at home.
Key Players to Watch
Harvey Barnes (Newcastle United)
Barnes has been a consistent threat for the Magpies, netting three times in his last five league appearances. Both of his previous H2H goals against Brighton have come at home, making him a player to watch as Newcastle aim to find the net and secure a win.
Evan Ferguson (Brighton)
Returning from injury, Ferguson will likely see more playing time in this match, which could be crucial for Brighton.
The young striker bagged a hat-trick in his last encounter against Newcastle back in September 2023, and his presence could give the Seagulls the attacking edge they need to overcome their recent defensive woes.
Conclusion
Newcastle United will be eager to use their solid home form to get back to winning ways after a short winless streak, while Brighton will hope to address their defensive frailties on the road and maintain their position above the Magpies in the table.
Both teams have shown attacking capabilities, so this could turn out to be an entertaining encounter, with goals likely at both ends.
Prediction: Newcastle to edge a victory, leveraging their home advantage and Brighton’s defensive struggles on the road, but expect Brighton to fight and possibly find the net.
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