Newcastle United are one of the Premier League’s most in-form teams heading into this weekend’s action. Manager Eddie Howe has led the Saudi Oil-money rich team out of the relegation zone and into 14th place.
On Saturday, Newcastle United will welcome 10th-place Brighton to St. James’ Park. Brighton are 12 points off of the top six. If they have hopes of qualifying for Europe through the league, then wins are a must from here on out.
🎥 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗖𝗔𝗠 🎥Watch in full on YouTube 👇— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) March 3, 2022
🎥 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗖𝗔𝗠 🎥Watch in full on YouTube 👇
Earlier this season, the teams drew 1-1 at the Amex Stadium as Leandro Trossard’s penalty kick put the Seagulls up 1-0 in the first half. Newcastle United’s Isaac Hayden scored in the second half as the match ended level.
The match was notable for Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez being sent off in second half stoppage-time. Newcastle United couldn’t take advantage of the late sending off, however.
Since 2017, Brighton have dominated their series of Premier League matches versus Newcastle United. The Seagulls have a head-to-head record of 4W-5D-0L against the Magpies in nine straight Premier League fixtures.
Six of the nine league meetings between these teams ended with under 2.5 goals. Notably, all five draws between Newcastle United and Brighton finished with under 2.5 goals scored.
Howe could be without up to six players for the arrival of Brighton. Forward Allan Saint-Maximin is battling an injury and is currently listed as a doubt to play. Meanwhile, Matt Ritchie, Kieran Trippier, Isaac Hayden, and Callum Wilson are all ruled out of the match as it stands.
Graham Potter should have midfielder Adam Lallana back from injury. Jeremy Sarmiento is a major doubt, however. He is nursing a thigh injury. Enock Mwepu could shake off a thigh issue to make the matchday squad. Adam Webster is ruled out with a groin issue.
It might surprise most people to learn, but Newcastle United took more points over the last six games than any other team in the Premier League except Liverpool.
The Magpies picked up 14 points from the last 18 points available in the league. They scored nine goals and conceded three.
Brighton, on the other hand, are on a three-match losing streak. Just five points were obtained across their last six match. Goals were scarce as Brighton scored just four goals.
Saturday’s game should still see Brighton play well against Newcastle United, a team they have taken points off of in each of their last nine meetings. The match should end in a score draw, just like their previous fixture this season.