Newcastle vs Brighton preview, predictions & possible XIs
Newcastle United and Brighton go into this weekend’s encounter with just one Premier League win each under their belts so far this season.
The Magpies stunned Spurs with a 1-0 win in north London last month, while Brighton are winless since their opening day victory at Watford.
Something’s got to give again for one of these newly-managed sides eventually. Indeed, both Steve Bruce and Graham Potter will be targeting maximum points this weekend.
Read on for our preview, predictions, possible XIs, key men and more.
When is Newcastle vs Brighton and where can I watch live?
Competition: Premier League
Venue: St. James’ Park
Date: Saturday, 21 September 2019
Kick-off: 5:30 PM BST
TV coverage (UK): Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
Last five meetings: Newcastle vs Brighton
27 April 2019: Brighton 1-1 Newcastle (Premier League)
20 October 2018: Newcastle 0-1 Brighton (Premier League)
30 December 2017: Newcastle 0-0 Brighton (Premier League)
24 September 2017: Brighton 1-0 Newcastle (Premier League)
28 February 2017: Brighton 1-2 Newcastle (Championship)
Aggregate Score: Newcastle (DLDLW) 3-4 Brighton (DWDWL)
Ones to watch
Newcastle: Joelinton
Joelinton has still only scored just one goal for Newcastle, and it was a crucial one, securing the surprise win at Spurs. But there is a feeling the Brazilian has more to offer, as demonstrated by his hold-up play and aerial ability. If his teammates can get the ball into him early, Newcastle might be able to create plenty of chances against Brighton.
Key stat: Joelinton has won 21 aerial duels in the Premier League this season, at least seven more than any other Newcastle player.
Brighton: Pascal Gross
Brighton were unfortunate not to secure their first home win of the campaign last time out against Burnley. Pascal Gross was central to the hosts’ display. As a creative force, he is second to none in the Albion squad. If being at home allows Newcastle to control possession, Gross will need to make the most of the ball every time he receives it.
Key stat: Only five players have created more chances than Pascal Gross in the Premier League so far this season (12).
Team news
Newcastle
Newcastle will be without, Dwight Gayle (calf), Florian Lejeune (knee) and Matt Ritchie (ankle).
Steve Bruce confirmed on Friday that both Andy Carroll and Allan Saint-Maximin will be available after recovering from ankle and hamstring injuries respectively. Fabian Schar will also feature.
Predicted XI: Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Lascelles, Dummett, Willems; Almiron, Hayden, Shelvey, Atsu; Joelinton.
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Brighton
Yves Bissouma could return for Brighton after getting over a shoulder problem, but Jose Izquierdo and Leandro Trossard remain sidelined despite Graham Potter confirming the latter is “making good progress”.
Predicted XI: Ryan; Duffy, Dunk, Webster; Burn, Stephens, Propper, March; Gross; Murray, Maupay.
Squawka prediction
Steve Bruce relieved some of the early pressure from the stands with a win at Tottenham, but the longer a home victory takes to arrive, the more impatient the Toon faithful will become. Brighton will attempt to feed off that pressure, but we think the Magpies will edge this one.
Scoreline prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Brighton
