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Newcastle United vs. Brighton: Preview and predictions

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Burnley FC at St. James Park on February 26, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 26: General view inside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Burnley FC at St. James Park on February 26, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United will host Brighton tomorrow in what is being labeled as a must-win game for Steve Bruce and his Magpies.

Newcastle United will be searching for their second victory of the season when they host Brighton at St. James’ Park tomorrow. The Magpies are being tapped as slight favorites to win, however, the Seagulls have claimed four points at St. James’ Park over the last two seasons, so this game will not be a walk in the park as many folks expect it to be.

Both teams share the objective of avoiding relegation this season and three points in this clash will certainly help in that regard, and this is especially true for Newcastle United who will face some tough competition over the next month. The expectation on Tyneside is for the Toon to play attacking football from the opening whistle. Brighton have one of the most vulnerable back-lines in the Premier League, but can Joelinton and Miguel Almiron break them down? With only one goal between the two strikers after five games, the duo will have to step up it up and score some goals.

Defensive stability and player awareness will be just as important for the Magpies, especially when Neal Maupay – Brighton’s leading scorer and most dangerous striker – is on the ball. For the third time this season, St. James’ Park is not expected to be anywhere near full capacity, but a win tomorrow could very well start changing minds and attract more fans.

Overall, this game is tough to predict. On paper, Newcastle United are the superior side and playing at home should give them an advantage. In a recent interview, Jamaal Lascelles did say that the team is using their current placement in the table, 18th, as motivation to get a positive result, and that is encouraging.

Predictions in the Media

Analysts from mainstream media outlets are confident that Newcastle United will get the job done tomorrow. In fact, most predictions have the Toon scoring at least two goals. Let’s hope that happens, and let’s hope Joelinton and Almiron are the ones doing the scoring. That being said, here are some predictions from the two most popular outlets in England:

Newcastle Toons Predictions

For the first time in ages, there is some optimism when it comes to our editorial staff’s predictions. Two of our writers are predicting a victory for the Toon, but one member of our team has a feeling that we will drop two points and settle for another draw at St. James’ Park.

Carson A. Merk: Newcastle United 1-1 Brighton

Durim Halimi: Newcastle United 2-0 Brighton

Trent Redman: Newcastle United 1-0 Brighton