Brighton are in relegation trouble having not won in their last six Premier League games. The Seagulls haven’t just dropped points causing a relegation scare, but they haven’t even scored a goal during the run without a win.
Newcastle are officially safe from relegation as they sit 10 points above the bottom three with just three games to play. Ayoze Perez’s hat-trick last weekend enabled Newcastle to defeat Southampton.
Rafael Benitez’s side will hope to finish strongly. The Magpies have collected just 16 points on the road this term. They have relied on strong form at St. James’ Park to push them into lower midtable.
Brighton’s recent home form has been dreadful as they have lost three straight matches at the Amex. Twenty-two of Brighton’s 34 points have come at home and there is a belief they can turn things around this weekend against Newcastle.
While Brighton’s form over their last six Premier League games has been poor, they have been great against Newcastle. Brighton have kept five clean sheets in their last seven games against the Magpies.
Chris Hughton’s team defeated Newcastle, 1-0, in their previous meeting this term. In fact, Brighton are undefeated against Newcastle since the two sides first met in the Premier League last term.
Matches between the two rivals have been low-scoring affairs. Their last seven matches in all competitions have featured fewer than 2.5 goals scored.
Benitez has three new injuries to contend with before Saturday’s match. Midfielder Miguel Almiron has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Fabian Schar and Isaac Hayden are both rehabbing problems of their own but could still be available.
Brighton have just one injury but it is a big one. Midfielder Davy Propper will miss the crunch fixture with a hamstring problem.
Just three points separate Brighton from 18th-place Cardiff City. A loss and Cardiff City win would still keep Brighton outside the relegation zone due to goal difference.
Compared to Cardiff City, Brighton do have the more difficult remaining fixture list. The Seagulls need to get points this weekend as the relegation fight could go down to the last day.
A Brighton win and Cardiff City loss would almost secure survival due to goal difference.
Hughton’s team is in dire need of a win while Newcastle only have pride to play for. Newcastle do not travel well and their away form will enable a desperate Brighton to pick up all three points.
Brighton will continue their form against Newcastle with under 2.5 goals scored at the Amex.