Newcastle United Under Pressure To End Dire Run Of Home Form Against Brighton

Newcastle United Under Pressure To End Dire Run Of Home Form Against Brighton
09:35, 29 Dec 2017

Preview: Newcastle United vs Brighton and Hove Albion; Kick off: December 30, 15:00; Venue; St James’ Park; Referee; Anthony Taylor

Newcastle United’s results have been nothing short of horrendous over the past two months or so, with just two wins in 11 games seeing them slip from what looked like a possible top six challenge right into the relegation mire. It has not been for the want of trying for Rafa Benitez’s side, and some of their performances have perhaps deserved more. The result is all that matters when Chris Hughton brings his Brighton side to St James’ Park on Saturday, though; another defeat will be the sixth successive at home, equalling an awful record from 1953.

Rafa Benitez has been oddly criticised for trying to contain runaway leaders Manchester City on Wednesday night, but his plan almost worked. The game ended 1-0, a considerably better outcome than many expected, and it could have been even better towards the end. It has to be remembered that City have now won 18-straight Premier League games, and Benitez did send out an attacking side that beat West Ham at the London Stadium last weekend. The entire approach will surely change once again when the Magpies face the Seagulls.

Brighton were promoted last season alongside Newcastle, and their debut Premier League campaign has, on the whole, been much more consistent. While there has never been any prospect of a European charge at the Amex Stadium, relegation has not of huge concern to former Newcastle boss Hughton, either. That is testament to the dignified job he has done, just as he did on Tyneside seven years ago; he is, as always, guaranteed a warm reception from 52,000 fans.

But for all of the bravery of Brighton and gloom for Newcastle, a home could see them swap places in the league. Only four points separate Brighton in 12th and Bournemouth in 18th; Newcastle are 15th on 18 points, three behind Saturday’s visitors, who have a better goal difference by one.

The January transfer window cannot come soon enough for Newcastle, but despite the panic and the discontent growing amid takeover uncertainty, Brighton’s recent form has not been fantastic. They only have two wins in nine games, with scoring goals proving a real issue for them; their total of 15 is only better than the bottom two clubs, West Brom and Swansea; but their defensive record of just 25 conceded is the best outside the top seven.

Wins on the road over Swansea and West Ham, not to mention Newcastle’s torrid home form at the moment, will give Hughton and his team confidence they can grab victory in the North East, but mostly their points have been won in home games. They also won the corresponding fixture 1-0 back in September; Tomer Hemed’s second half goal proving the difference on that particular occasion.

This game kickstarts a vital couple of weeks in both these sides’ seasons; Newcastle travel to another struggling side, Stoke City, on New Year’s Day, before welcoming Swansea City, fresh from hiring Carlos Carvahal as Paul Clement’s replacement, in the middle of next month. Brighton kick off 2018 by hosting Bournemouth before travelling to the Hawthorns to face West Brom. Benitez’s desire to strengthen his squad in the transfer window is clear, but he’ll want to do it as early as possible to help get points on the board in these games, with Crystal Palace and Burnley on the horizon, too.

Team News

Newcastle made a host of changes in both the West Ham and Manchester City games; some enforced and some down simply to Benitez’s love of rotation. Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino did not feature at the London Stadium, but came on as a substitute against City and should start this one; Dwight Gayle, Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie were all rested last time and are expected to return. Aleksandar Mitrovic, who recently admitted he wants to leave the club, Isaac Hayden and Florian Lejeune were not in either squad as Benitez admitted some players had picked up knocks; they are all doubtful for Saturday.

As for Brighton, their only absentee is Steve Sidwell. Hughton has the majority of his squad available to him, but crucially two key men, Lewis Dunk and Glenn Murray are at risk of suspension having picked up four yellow cards each. Like Benitez, the Seagulls boss made some changes in the 2-0 defeat at Chelsea on Boxing Day in preparation for this game. Anthony Knockhaert and Pascal Gross, as well as top scorer Murray, were all on the bench and should return.

Expected starting lineups
Newcastle: Elliot; Dummett, Lascelles, Clark, Yedlin; Shelvey, Merino, Ritchie, Atsu; Gayle, Joselu; Brighton: Ryan; Suttner, Dunk, Duffy, Schelotto; Knockhaer, Propper, Gross, Stephens, March; Murray

Did you know?
Chris Hughton has never won as an opposing manager at St James’ Park. He has returned with both Norwich and Brighton but is yet to register a victory, despite leading Newcastle to promotion, just as he did the Seagulls last year, in 2010. His last visit, in September 2016, ended in a 2-0 defeat courtesy of goals from Jamaal Lascelles and Jonjo Shelvey.

Prediction
There is no doubting this one will be a nervy affair and the atmosphere will be in complete contrast to the Manchester City game when little was expected. Newcastle know what they have to do, and though they are under pressure not to equal a 64-year-old record of successive home defeats, Brighton’s lack of goals should encourage them, especially if they play like they did at West Ham. The home side must be patient, but they should get the win.

Score Prediction: Newcastle United 1-0 Brighton and Hove Albion

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