Paul Merson predicts the potential scoreline for the Newcastle Vs Brighton fixture

Newcastle United's 2024/25 campaign has been quite unconvincing, even though the club has had 12 points from the seven PL matchdays. Much evident from the club's winless streak of 3 games, the Magpies' performances have been quite inconsistent so far. However, Eddie Howe's side would want to turn things around as they prepare to host Brighton in their PL return matchday.

Paul Merson predicts the potential scoreline for the Newcastle Vs Brighton fixture

As per the current scenario, Brighton sits at the sixth position, just one higher than Newcastle, even though their performances have been quite contrasting. Considering the recent forms of the two sides, Hurzeler's exciting Brighton side has looked much better than the Magpies; however, one of the only things that halts them from being the clear favorites is Newcastle's home advantage.

So far this year, Eddie Howe's side has just a single game lost at St. James Park, that too against Manchester City in January. Moreover, because Newcastle's home crowd acts as the perfect morale booster for the unit, chances are considerably less that Brighton returns back with the complete 3 points. Considering the same, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has predicted a draw for the much-awaited Newcastle Vs Brighton fixture.

Although the former PL star acknowledges Brighton has been better, he believes the fixture will end in a draw, with a plethora of goals in it. Merson wrote,

"“Brighton and Newcastle are sixth and seventh, respectively, on the same points. But quite honestly, Brighton are playing way better at the moment. I expect both teams to have a go at it, and there will be plenty of goals in this one.""

- Paul Merson

In fact, contrary to Newcastle's season so far, where they have had serious difficulties finding goals, Merson believes the club would be a dominant forward force at St. James, though conceding many goals in their defense as well. Merson mentioned,

"“I’m certain that Newcastle will be a force going forward in this game, but I also feel they will leave the back door open in the process. This is where Brighton can take advantage and punish their opponents.""

- Paul Merson

Overall, pundit Paul Merson predicts that both of the teams would have a close contest at St. James, ultimately ending in a 2-2 draw. While certainly, Newcastle fans would want the club to grab the complete 3 points, things could very well stand, as Merson has opined. Not to forget, be it his prediction for the Everton draw or Newcastle's loss to Fulham, the former Arsenal star has been spot on this season, and while it remains to be seen what happens, a draw looks like a significant possibility in the fixture.