Premier League: Seagulls Head North in Search of More Points

Newcastle United vs Brighton and Hove Albion

Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton and Hove Albion are set to make a 700 mile round trip this weekend to take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.   

The 31-year-old head coach has made a pretty good start as Brighton boss and, before the international break the Seagulls hosted Tottenham Hotspur and came back from a two goal deficit to win 3-2, a result which took them sixth place in the table, level on points with the seventh placed Magpies but ahead on goal difference.

So Premier League: Newcastle United vs Brighton is one of the eye-catching fixtures of the top flight weekend and Howe’s team, who went into the international break with a goalless draw away to Everton, will hope to get back to winning ways after going three in the league without a victory. The latest SBOTOP odds make the hosts odds on favourites and there may be good news for their fans when the team sheet comes out at 2pm UK time on Saturday.    

 

Talking Points

Newcastle strike pair nearing a return

The Geordies’ top strikers Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson have both been sidelined in recent weeks and, in fact, have rarely been fit at the same time; but both are training this week and will be in contention for an appearance against the Seagulls. Swedish forward Isak has been out for three matches after he fractured a toe and, having scored 25 goals last season he is always a big miss. Meanwhile England star Wilson hasn’t appeared this season after he suffered a back injury during the summer; but he too is close, according to the Newcastle press. Howe said, before the international break, that both would be in contention after the pause but there are no guarantees; but Magpies fans will be hoping that ‘no news is good news’ and both will be on the pitch at some time on Saturday.  

In the absence of their two main strikers, wide men Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon have been in brilliant form. The fans were crying out for Barnes in the early games and, when Howe brought him on in a recent match away to Wolverhampton Wanderers, the former Leicester man rewarded him with the winning goal.

Gordon recently visited his old stamping ground at Goodison Park and, while he couldn’t provide the spark to fashion a victory on Merseyside, he won and scored a penalty in Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City. As and when Isak and Wilson are back, with Barnes and Gordon supplying the ammunition the Magpies could really take off.

Could that be Saturday?      

 

And bodies coming back for Brighton

The Seagulls have been struggling with injuries too and they are hoping to welcome back a long term absentee soon, maybe even in time for the trip to the Tyne. Attacking midfielder Solly March could be available for selection after a lay-off of 12 months following an ACL injury he suffered in a clash with Manchester City early last season. March has been with Brighton since 2011 and the 30 year old right winger has been a superb servant; a versatile player who can also operate at right back.

Another wide man, Simon Adingra could also be back in contention while Germany U21 star Brajan Gruda could take his bow as an attacking midfielder following his summer move from Bundesliga side Mainz.   

Veteran utility man James Milner remains doubtful and the Seagulls are also without Brazilian striker Joao Pedro. And Hurzeler will be keen to see how midfield ace Carlos Belaba is after he was stretchered off during Cameroon’s 4-1 win over Kenya last Saturday. The injury is apparently not as serious as first feared so Belaba has a good chance of playing some part.

And the Newcastle defence will be well aware that former Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck has been in fine form with four goals so far this season; and the 33 year old scored the winner in the five goal thriller against Spurs. 

 

History

Previous Newcastle United vs Brighton results have been fairly even over the past ten years or so, with the Seagulls winning seven, the Magpies five and there have been seven draws. Last season Brighton won 3-1 on the south coast and then the two teams played out a 1-1 draw on the penultimate game of the campaign.  

With three wins, two draws and one defeat the hosts have been in slightly better form than their visitors who have won two, drawn three and lost one.  

The Newcastle United vs Brighton betting odds say we have a fascinating clash in store on Saturday, so let’s take a look at the offers and make a call.

 

Betting Tip

Newcastle are priced at 1.98 to win this match with the Seagulls at 3.03; and we can make a case for both sides who have talented young managers, exciting players and good form, with just a single defeat each in six games.    I suspect they may cancel each other out and, for a longer shot, a 1-1 draw is available at 7.14.     

   

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