The Premier League returns this weekend following a full round of Champions League and Europa League fixtures.
That means the games are spread across the weekend but on Saturday we have a meeting between two teams in the bottom half of the table at James’ Park. Newcastle United host Brighton and Hove Albion in a 17:30 kick-off.
Newcastle come into the weekend sitting in 18th place in the league. They have 4 points from five games while Brighton are two places above them with 5 points from the same number of matches, so this is a vital game.
The hosts faced the tough task of Liverpool away last week and did well for much of the match. They took the lead and but for a brilliant strike from Sadio Mane, could have got more from the game as they frustrated Liverpool. It wasn’t to be and Liverpool won the game 3-1.
Trends show Newcastle have won one of their five Premier League matches this season and the win came at Tottenham Hotspur. It was a classic sit back and hit on the counter-attack performance to win the game 1-0, which is their best result by far this season. The other point came at home thanks to a 1-1 draw with Watford.
Newcastle have won just one of their last six home games in all competitions. They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six home Premier League matches.
Brighton looked set to claim all 3 points at home to Burnley last weekend until Jeff Hendrik struck a late equaliser for the visitors. It was a disappointing end to the game and Brighton must raise themselves ahead of this match.
Having produced a great display to win 3-0 at Watford on the opening day of the season, Brighton have failed to hit the same heights since that win. The Seagulls have picked up 2 points from a possible 12, drawing with West Ham United and Burnley at home. Brighton have lost at home to Southampton and away to Manchester City.
😀 ... and didn't he enjoy it!#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/FlXF9qeumS— Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽️ (@OfficialBHAFC) September 19, 2019
😀 ... and didn't he enjoy it!#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/FlXF9qeumS
Trends show Brighton have won only three of their last twenty-three Premier League games and have failed to score in four of their last six on the road. Seven of the last eight meetings with Newcastle have seen under 2.5 goals scored.
Team news and Newcastle could be without four players as Dwight Gayle, Fabian Schär, Florian Lejeune and Allan Saint-Maximin are all struggling with injury. They also have doubts over Andy Carroll, DeAndre Yedlin, Matt Ritchie and Robert Elliot.
Brighton travel north without Leandro Trossard who has a groin problem. There are also doubts over the fitness of Ezequiel Schelotto, Martin Montoya, Bernardo and Jose Izquierdo.
This could be a low scoring game and we expect to see under 2.5 goals. One goal could be enough to take maximum points but it is tough to pick a winner from these two teams.