Newcastle v Brighton - Match Preview

Saturday evening sees former Toon gaffer Chris Hughton bring his Brighton and Hove Albion side up to the almighty St James Park for what will be considered a game between two of the strongest sides in the division; surely to be the toughest task of the season so far for the Mags. Newcastle’s drop down from the Premier League, combined with their recruitment policy this summer has seen them become favourites for the Championship title, whilst Brighton’s recent successes saw them finish third last season, before losing their play-off semi-final fixtures on aggregate to Sheffield Wednesday. Both sides will be going into this game with a winning mentality, and neither will want to lose to potential title rivals come the end of the season.

Following the Toon's unconvincing start to the season, losing their first games to Fulham and Huddersfield respectively, recent results have improved domestically, following victories over Reading and Bristol City, although the performances have been a little off what is to be expected. However, footballing philosophy does suggest that not playing well and still picking up results is a sign of a good side; something for us Mags to feel optimistic about.

Brighton have had a strong start to the season, seeing them remain unbeaten with two wins and two draws. As well as being perched in second place, Brighton’s performances have been anything but unconvincing, including two three-nil victories (over Nottingham Forest and Rotherham), suggesting that they will come into this clash with momentum.

On paper, the Toon have a much stronger squad, following their summer of big investments of proven Championship players, including Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle, the latter of whom is in a fine vain of form, netting four times already this season. However, Brighton do have a superstar of their own - Anthony Knockaert, who the Toon have previously had a bid rejected for, a player who has taken the Championship by storm in recent years with an array of dazzling performances, terrorising full backs week in, week out. As well as that, they have a real striking asset in Glen Murray, who at 32, still has the capability to cause teams big problems. The Toon will also hope to welcome Aleksandar Mitrovic back to domestic league football, despite his concussion on Tuesday night. It is hoped that he will impress via usage of his physicality to see us offer more in the attacking third, where we have recently been a little lacklustre.

From 14 previous fixtures against this weekend’s opposition, bragging rights hang perfectly in the balance, each team winning six times with two draws, producing thirty-nine goals, meaning that this is not a fixture lacking goals - if history suggests anything, this should be a cracking game of football to the neutral fan.

My personal prediction for this game sees me stick loyal to my colours with a slender 2-1 victory, however keeping Mr Knockaert quiet will be a pivotal factor throughout the duration of this game, therefore it would come as no surprise to me if Jesus Gamez, a classy full back for me, will start on the left, following a recent run of unconvincing performances from Paul Dummett, who is being linked with moves away from the Toon this summer.

Predicted Newcastle United Starting XI (4-4-2): Sels, Gamez, Mbemba, Lascelles, Anita, Perez, Diame, Hayden, Ritchie, Gayle, Mitrovic.

Predicted Result: 2-1 Home victory

Newcastle Vs Brighton (5:30 K.O Live on Sky Sports)