Things really are looking up at Newcastle United.
Seven games unbeaten, another win last weekend, Eddie Howe nominated for the Premier League’s Manger of the Month award and a sell out crowd expected at St James’ Park as Wor Flags prepare to extend their pre-match displays to the East Stand!
With visitors Brighton losing each of their last three league games and us enjoying our best run of form since 2011, all the momentum is with us.
However, it might surprise you to learn that we have NEVER beaten Brighton in the Premier League. Not only that, we’ve never actually scored a goal against them in all four of our meetings at St James’ Park!
So, history isn’t on our side in that respect, but this is a new era at Newcastle United. A meticulous manager and a squad that’s much fitter, full of confidence and up for the fight.
There’s a real sense of belief within the group and a genuine feeling that the wind is in our sails in this relegation fight, making this another huge opportunity to pull clear – especially when the likes of Watford, Burnley, Leeds and Everton face tough games this weekend.
Team news
Allan Saint-Maximin trained for the first time on Friday according to Eddie Howe, meaning he’s facing another late fitness test to determine whether or not he’s ready to return.
Elsewhere, Emil Krafth looks likely to keep his place at right-back, meaning Javier Manquillo could remain on the bench along with Bruno Guimaraes.
Kieran Trippier (foot), Callum Wilson (calf) and Matt Ritchie (knee) remain out, while Brighton look set to be without Adam Webster and Enock Mwepu – with Adam Lallan also tough and go.
Predicted line ups
(4-3-2-1): Dubravka – Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett – Willock, Shelvey, Joelinton – Murphy, Fraser – Wood.
Martin Dubravka – Been rock solid in recent weeks, racking up his third clean sheet in our last five games last weekend.
Emil Krafth – For me, Manquillo is our best right-back when Trippier is out, however I can’t see Howe dropping Krafth after the Swede put in a solid display in that 2-0 win at Brentford?
Fabian Schar – One of many much improved players. Was brilliant at both ends last time out and has nailed down his place in Howe’s XI as a result.
Dan Burn – The 6ft 7′ giant has barely put a foot wrong since he arrived from Brighton and will start against his former side here.
Matt Targett – The Aston Villa loanee has been a revelation so far, defending admirably and striking up a lively partnership with Ryan Fraser last weekend.
Joelinton – I’m running out of superlatives for our bulldozing Brazilian. Scored the goal his performances have deserved last weekend and is one of the first named on the teamsheet now.
Jonjo Shelvey – He’s been a steady Eddie and more under Howe, adding discipline and consistency to his game. Hopefully we see more of that here against a solid Brighton side.
Joe Willock – A confident Joe Willock is a joy to watch and a real goal threat. After two goals in his last two games, it’d be great to see him bag his first at St James’ Park since he signed permanently!
Jacob Murphy – If Saint-Maximin is fit, he should always start above Murphy. However, the fact ASM has only just returned to training means Murphy could be handed another start here.
Ryan Fraser – Put in one of his best performances for NUFC when playing down the left last weekend, so it’ll be interesting to see if he’s paired up against Brighton right-back Tariq Lamptey.
Chris Wood – Desperately needs a goal, but is doing plenty of the dirty work for the team. For his confidence levels, I’m hoping he can finally get off the mark here – but it won’t matter if he plays a part in another Toon win!
Predicted Brighton XI (3-4-1-2): Sanchez – Veltman, Duffy, Dunk – Lamptey, Bissouma, Mac Allister, Cucurella – Trossard – Welbeck, Maupay.
Match prediction
Brighton may haven’t scored in their last three games, losing to nil against Aston Villa, Burnley and Man Utd, but this won’t be easy. Graham Potter sides are never easy to play and he’ll be expecting a reaction from his players.
That said, we are top of the Premier League form table for a season and come into this on the back of four wins and a draw in our last five games.
I think this will be a tight game. One where we’ll have to work for our chances, work hard without the ball and get at them from the off – as they arrive low in confidence but can be a brilliant possession-based side if you allow them too much space.
Fraser to score in a low-scoring draw at St James’ Park would be my pre-match prediction!
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Brighton
HOWAY THE LADS!
Olly – it’s mad to think we’ve never beat Brighton, or even scored passed them … but I have to be honest – if that’s their defence & that’s our attack, I think we really struggle again.
Their wingbacks are their greatest threat imo. Both are rapid & both very good footballers.
Maupay will work his ticket and can always nick a goal. Whereas I see Wood struggling up against 3 physical CBs in Dunk, Duffy & Veltman.
The difference could be midfield – our Joes could be the difference again in this one.
Paul Merson reckons this could be an easy one for us. I think that’s only more evidence of just how much of a poor judge he is tbh.
I’m certainly not suggesting we have no chance of beating them – not at all. But it will be tough & I don’t see us getting more than 1 goal off them.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I see Amanda Staveley is getting hammered for what she had to say about Abram selling Chelsea.
I think the interviewer knew exactly what they were doing asking such a loaded question & of course what she had to say is played completely out of context to the whole conversation.
The fans & the media complain that owners hide away and don’t engage with them. Our 3 have actively engaged with the fans from the outside – largely via social media. I’d encourage them to stick with that coz anyone who thinks they are any kind of journalist or human rights advocate just want to jump all over them.
If anyone thinks for a second that Amanda feels more sad for Roman than she does for the poor Ukrainian victims of Putins invasion are mental.
This is just another example of where the world is at the moment. If you don’t give the same answer as everyone else or dare to come at something from a different angle then you are the enemy.
Absolutely ridiculous.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Is everyone lying in this morning like???
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ollie like all our fans I want us to win today. If Wood doesn’t score today or at least get an assist I shall be very disappointed whatever the result. I shall be at the game as usual and so far he has not impressed me.
Groucho(Quote)
Will be tougher than many think, easy to get carried away with our recent form but we still have a long way to go before we are safe.
HWTL
KIMTOON(Quote)
Anyone with a reliable stream lined up . . . please.
georgio(Quote)
Anyone with a reliable stream/link lined up?
georgio(Quote)
I go to hesgoals as they often have a stream.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
just Bein that i know of mate
icedog(Quote)
get iptv mate you get everything
icedog(Quote)
Also try bingsport.com
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Maxi on the bench! Unchanged side from last week!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Leeds look a bit better but still lost.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
thanks all
georgio(Quote)
I am in a hotel room in savannah. A bit hungover. My mate cut his leg and neither of us can remember how he did it.
Going to watch the match then some site seeing and fried chicken.
25 degrees out.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
80 Fahrenheit
Eric Sykes(Quote)
GetinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnFrazer
KIMTOON(Quote)
Fantastic running with the ball from Murphy there & good play from Fraser – but the transitional play from Chris Wood was outstanding
Sharpy17(Quote)
GetinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnSchar
***
Are we gonna give them a pasting, we haven’t done that to anyone yet
KIMTOON(Quote)
Sharpy, Wood doesn’t get enough credit, it’s not always about scoring goals
KIMTOON(Quote)
Wholly **** ?????????
Only a fool would have suggested we would score 2 passed these ???.
Great header & great ball in!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Fraser, fair play lad
Shamrock(Quote)
Agree Kim – that’s why I highlighted his part in the goal ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Shelvey is having a poor game so far – gone back to being a bit of a ball watcher. He’s looking a little leggy today as well.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Brentford a goal up
KIMTOON(Quote)
Agree. We are losing midfield battle. Looking very sloppy. Thankfully Joe is there
Shamrock(Quote)
Christ Targett injured now
KIMTOON(Quote)
Well that was a good first half. What a battle. But Brighton are still dangerous and fighting hard. More goals in this I think! Not done yet.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Really good first half that. I love the energy & physicality we play with without the ball. We are in their faces, giving them no time on the ball to pass accurately.
Defensively the addition of Dan Burn has us looking like a different team & Schar has gone from a frantic rabbit to a solid, assured CB.
Ever Krafth looks decent!! ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
It’s mad to think we are 2 up & still have Bruno & Maxi to come on if needed/wanted
Sharpy17(Quote)
crikey 2nd pen for Brentford
KIMTOON(Quote)
ffs
Let them back in
2.1
KIMTOON(Quote)
Burnley losing 3.0 now
KIMTOON(Quote)
Brighton changes made, we need to replace Shelvey with Bruno
KIMTOON(Quote)
Maxi coming on
KIMTOON(Quote)
Total kiss of death there from me coz there is now no urgency and lots of sloppy play – did Bruce give the HT team talk here like.
We need a rocket up here!!. Maybe need Bruno & Maxi to livin the rest up
Sharpy17(Quote)
Murphy off
KIMTOON(Quote)
Oh I must been 2 mins behind here ?? – Alreet Maxi ???
Sharpy17(Quote)
Murphy is *****.
Shamrock(Quote)
Maxis hands are done up like he’s just finished 12 rounds ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Not great is he mate. One for the upgrade I reckon. Did ok for our first, but this is his best I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Burnley losing 4.0 now
KIMTOON(Quote)
This is not comfy at all, come on lads get the third and kill it off.
KIMTOON(Quote)
That Cucurella is a pain mind
KIMTOON(Quote)
Get effin in, 3 points thank you very much.
KIMTOON(Quote)
*** that was tense! We were battered there but another great win!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Played us at our own game. Lucky result but a win is a win! I do hope we have a plan B though in future. HWTL
Shamrock(Quote)
My heart was going like the clappers there .. that was uncomfortable near the end there. Hard to give a MotM… Fraser or Schar I reckon! But Joelinton was immense again. Willock was poor today.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Well that was hard earned in the end.
Different team came out for that second half there like ?.
We held a good defensive shape but the energy & aggressive closing down when without the ball had gone for some reason.
Big 3 points though & some strong defensive performances.
Can’t say who was my MOTM – the whole team was pretty much a 6/10 for me.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well it shows how far we have come under Eddie Howe – I’m annnoyed with that win ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Glad we won but we were the poorest I’ve seen us play recently. We started the second half with a set up that was straight from the Bruce book of tactics. Boring to watch and it was no surprise when Brighton scored. Agree with everyone that Shelvey was poor today as was Kraft.
Groucho(Quote)
So the Chelsea fans were singing Roman Abramovichs name during the applause for Ukraine.
An aside – what the hell are we applauding for???. Will that make them feel better when their house are being bombed and kids being killed ?.
But to my main point – Chelsea sh!thouse fans!!!.
What is happening to Roman now should have happened years ago. They were one of the clubs voting against the Saudis – the hypocrisy stinks.
He was a ‘person of interest’ back in 2019, but they were happy to turn a blind eye providing he stayed away. But they kinda had to though, coz the Tory party was rubbing shoulders and taking donations from his fella Oligarchs.
Full credit to Tuchel for condemning the Chelsea fans for their chants today.
Sharpy17(Quote)
On the game though – that’s a huge defeat for Burnley. They missed some big chances at 0-0 and went on to gift Chelsea a couple of goals in that heavy defeat.
Good win for Brentford with Leeds getting beat as well. Still think think that last spot is between those 3 though – Brentford, Leeds or Burnley.
Sharpy17(Quote)