Match Preview: Newcastle United V Brighton
Newcastle United take on Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday at St James’ Park in a crucial game towards the hunt for European football. The Magpies currently sit 6th in the table, just 4 points away from 5th place Tottenham. Brighton currently sit in 11th place following a recent run of poor form; however, the Seagulls did manage to beat high flying Aston Villa 1-0 last time out.
Eddie Howe’s side have been in incredible form recently, which has helped them climb the table into the European places. The Geordies have won 3 of their last 4 games, including an emphatic 4-0 win over Tottenham, a 5-1 win over relegated Sheffield United and a 4-1 away win over Vincent Kompany’s Burnley. A win over Brighton could see them end the day just 1 point away from 5th place, dependant on other results.
Brighton have had a tough time results wise recently. Before their 1-0 win over Champions League hopefuls Aston Villa, the Seagulls were winless in 6. Roberto De Zerbi’s men have recently lost 4-0 to Manchester City and 3-0 to Bournemouth, they will be hoping that their recent win over Villa will allow them to push on and finish the season on a positive.
Team News – Newcastle’s defensive woes continue with Sven Botman, Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier all set to miss out.
Brighton also have their fair share of injury problems. Key men Kaoru Mitoma, Pervis Estupinan and Jan Paul Van Hecke are all set to miss the trip to Tyneside.
