Brighton vs Newcastle Preview
- Draw or Brighton win
- Under 3.5 goals
After three consecutive away games across all competitions (W2, D1), Brighton finally return to the Amex Stadium for the first time in almost a month. That’s likely to be a welcome relief for Fabian Hürzeler’s side, who have developed a formidable home record in the Premier League, losing just once in their last 11 home league outings (W6, D4).
The Seagulls’ steady improvement under Hürzeler has been built on tactical flexibility and a strong mentality, traits that have helped them collect 30 of their 70 Premier League points under his tenure from losing positions — a remarkable statistic that highlights their resilience. Despite occasionally starting games slowly, Brighton consistently find a way back into contests, an attribute that will serve them well as they look to push back into European contention.
Their overall form is also encouraging, with just two defeats in their last 14 matches across all competitions (W8, D4) since April. The Seagulls’ attack remains sharp, their midfield balanced, and with home comforts restored, they’ll be confident of taking the initiative against a Newcastle side that has found goals hard to come by on the road this season.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle arrive on the south coast buoyed by back-to-back wins before the international break, beating Royale Union SG 4-0 in Europe before dispatching Nottingham Forest 2-0 at St James’ Park. Those victories lifted morale after a mixed start to the season, and another positive result here would mark three consecutive wins in all competitions for the first time since April.
However, Newcastle’s away record remains a concern. They’ve drawn all three of their away league games 0-0 so far this season and could now equal a remarkable piece of English Football League history. The only other side to have seen each of their first four away league fixtures in a campaign end goalless was Notts County back in 1935/36. While defensive solidity is welcome, the lack of cutting edge up front is a clear issue that Howe will want to resolve quickly.
The Magpies’ broader away form in the Premier League underlines that inconsistency, with just two wins in their last six on the road (D4, L2). That said, their performances in Europe suggest they’re capable of producing far more dynamic attacking displays, and the challenge now is to translate that form into domestic competition.
Head-to-Head History
Brighton have proven a persistent thorn in Newcastle’s side in the Premier League era. The Seagulls are yet to lose a top-flight home fixture against the Magpies (W3, D5) and are unbeaten in the last five head-to-head meetings overall (W3, D2).
Newcastle’s win rate of just 13% against Brighton (W2, D8, L6) is their lowest against any opponent they’ve faced three or more times in the Premier League, underlining the difficulty they’ve historically encountered in this fixture. The Amex, in particular, has not been a happy hunting ground, and the Magpies will need to overcome both history and habit to return north with three points.
Hot Stats and Streaks
- Brighton’s Defensive Struggles: The Seagulls have managed just one clean sheet in their last 19 Premier League matches, a weakness that could offer Newcastle hope even if their away form has been muted.
- Slow Starters: Brighton have trailed at half-time in a joint league-high five games this season — another indicator of their tendency to grow into matches rather than dominate from the start.
- Late Action for the Magpies: Eight of the 11 goals scored in Newcastle’s Premier League games this season have come after half-time, suggesting this could be another encounter that springs to life late on.
- Discipline and Control: Newcastle have received only eight yellow cards this season, the joint fewest in the league — a reflection of their composure and control in most matches.
Key Players to Watch
Brighton – Yankuba Minteh
The young winger faces his former club and seems to relish the occasion, having scored in the first half of both of his previous head-to-head meetings with Newcastle.
He also found the net before half-time in Brighton’s last home game, making him one to watch early on.
Newcastle – Nick Woltemade
The in-form forward is chasing a goal in his fourth straight game in all competitions, though he’s yet to open his Premier League away account.
His physical presence and finishing could make the difference if chances come his way.
Team News and Injuries
Brighton have suffered a couple of fitness setbacks over the international period, with Brajan Gruda and Diego Gómez both picking up injuries while away with their national teams. Fabian Hürzeler will hope neither absence proves too disruptive, though he may need to shuffle his midfield and forward options as a result.
Newcastle face late fitness tests for Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton, both returning from long-haul international duty in South Asia. Their participation will be crucial in determining Howe’s midfield setup. Otherwise, the Magpies have a relatively stable squad, with defensive regulars likely to feature again after a string of clean sheets on the road.
Betting Analysis and Prediction
This fixture pairs one of the league’s most attack-minded home sides with a team that has yet to score or concede away from home this season — a fascinating contrast of styles. Newcastle’s defensive discipline and Brighton’s attacking persistence could make for a tactical battle rather than an open affair.
Given the Magpies’ extraordinary run of 0-0 away draws, backing under 2.5 goals appears sensible. Brighton have improved defensively at home, and Newcastle’s cautious approach on their travels suggests another low-scoring contest may be on the cards.
That said, Brighton’s strong home record and psychological edge over Newcastle make them slight favourites to edge a tight encounter.
Predicted Scoreline: Brighton 1–0 Newcastle
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