Newcastle club legend points out key aspects influencing upcoming game against Brighton

Coming on the back of two draws and a loss in the PL, Newcastle United would want to end their winless streak as they return to PL action. However, the club's upcoming fixture, against Brighton, would be a tough one, considering the form Fabian Hurzeler's side has been in. Despite having neck-to-neck on points with Newcastle, the visitors have been consistently good this season, entering the fixture with a 3-2 win against Tottenham.

Newcastle club legend points out key aspects influencing matchday against Brighton

While certainly, Hurzeler's side could pose as a tough opponent for the Magpies club, Howe's side has an added home advantage to their cushion. Having an excellent record at St. James this year, Newcastle has been defeated only a single time, indicating their dominance at the fortress. Thus, overall, the contest between the two sides, Howe's Newcastle and Hurzeler's Brighton, would be an epic one.

The Newcastle Vs Brighton game is not only one of the most anticipated fixtures because it is side-by-side on the PL table but also because the fixture would have a major influence on the injury availability of the players. As things stand, while Joao Pedro stands sidelined for the game due to his ankle issues, Isak's reported return for Newcastle could significantly change the fixture's fate. That is what has also been pointed out by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer as he analyzes the game.

Speaking on the potential injury boost for Newcastle and predicting the winner, Shearer mentioned,

"“If reports are to be true that Newcastle have at least one of Callum Wilson or Aleksandar Isak back, then the chances they create combined with the way Brighton play with a high line means I will predict a home win at St. James Park.""

- Alan Shearer

As expressed by the record PL goal scorer, Isak's return to the Magpies lineup could ease off-wing star Gordon to his conventional role, strengthening the side's stability. As was completely evident in their previous fixture against Everton, the club terribly missed a conventional number 9 like Isak upfront, and thus, the star forward's return promises much for the Magpies club.

Overall, as Newcastle legend Alan Shearer believes, injury availabilities would be a major factor influencing the fixture's result. Magpies fans would hope that, as things seem, Isak marks his injury return against Brighton, helping them grab the much-needed 3 points at home.