Newcastle United VS Brighton & Hove Match Prediction

Surprisingly perhaps, Brighton hold a narrow 8-7 head-to-head lead over Brighton, with three draws. They have only met twice in recent memory however, with the Seagulls dumping the Magpies out of the FA Cup in both 2012 and 2013 with 1-0 and 2-0 victories.

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Newcastle United vs Brighton: Prediction

Both of Brighton’s away games thus far in 2016/17 have yielded draws against Derby County and Reading. That is absolutely fine, but you wouldn’t say that either of those sides is on a par with Newcastle in full flight.

The Magpies struggled at first in the Championship, first tasting defeat to combative Fulham before being high pressed to the point of distraction by Huddersfield. Since then they have beaten Reading 4-1 (the same side that Brighton drew with) and took a narrow 1-0 victory from Bristol City.
 
One likely avenue for Newcastle to exploit is at the heart of Brighton’s defence, where Bruno is resolutely not a natural centre back. With a flat midfield two being outnumbered by Rafa Benitez’s 4-4-1-1 system, the Magpies could have plenty of joy in getting Dwight Gayle in on goal. 

Brighton will hope to counter attack, predominantly through wide men Knockaert and Skalak, but they are likely to be on the back foot for most of the game. Take a revitalised Newcastle to secure a precious three points.

Newcastle United vs Brighton Betting Tips

Anything odds-against for Newcastle is worth a look here, and with most bookmakers priced up at the 21/20 mark that is good enough for us. Brighton have looked fragile on the road – as they did at times in 2015/16 in fairness – and there is just about enough confidence coursing through the veins of this Newcastle side to take advantage.

Mind you, another wager that looks good value is the 4/6 offered on a Brighton +1 Asian handicap. They have yet to be beaten this season, and given their penchant for finding the net (eight in four) Newcastle might just have their work cut out in winning by anything more than a one goal margin.

And we’ve mentioned him already, but Dwight Gayle – with four goals in as many games – should have plenty of joy if he can isolate himself against Bruno. Back him in the anytime goalscorer stakes with confidence. 

With two wins on the spin after a disastrous start, Newcastle United have found their feet in the Championship and will be relishing taking on one of their rivals for promotion, Brighton, in front of a lively St James’ Park crowd.

Newcastle United likely XI:

After coming so close to promotion to the promised land in 2015/16, Brighton have started as they mean to go on by embarking on a four game unbeaten streak. That will be sorely tested by Newcastle on Saturday evening, however.

Brighton and Hove Albion likely XI:

This has the feel of a proverbial promotion six-pointer about it, and whilst there will be plenty of times that we get behind Brighton this season from a betting perspective this isn\'t one of them. Benitez has struck upon a winning formula for his Newcastle side, and with the same personnel set to take to the field on Saturday evening he will be full of confidence that his men can get the job done. Brighton\'s lack of a recognised centre back – Bruno is so much stronger in wide areas – could ultimately prove to be their undoing.

As far as key stats are concerned nothing particularly stands out here, although an investigation into the home/away form reveals that Brighton are yet to win on the road this season while Newcastle\'s last home outing resulted in a 4-1 demolition of Reading.