The Premier League pundits have released their predictions ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Brighton.
Sky Sports’ Paul Merson has gone for a 2-2 draw, believing it will be a “really good game” and a massive match for both sides after defeats last weekend.
Robbie Savage expects a game of goals and is backing Alexander Isak and Solly March to get on the scoresheet, with Brighton to run out 3-2 winners.
Then to Chris Sutton, the BBC pundit feels it’s ‘impossible’ to predict, but does believe Brighton will like it if Newcastle ‘come on to them’, as opposition sides tend to get more joy at the Amex when sitting deep and hitting on the counter; as West Ham did last weekend. That said, he’s backing us to come away with a 1-1 draw. Here’s what all three had to say, starting with Merson’s pre-match comments.
Paul Merson’s prediction for Sportskeeda:
This one looks like a really good game. The problem is that both teams are coming off bad results. Brighton got beaten by West Ham and Newcastle were beaten by 10-men Liverpool last week. As such, this is a massive football match for both teams. It’s quite hard to call this one.
I can see plenty of goals in this game. Brighton have to make their possession count and be wary of the threat that Newcastle United possess on the counter.
The Seagulls play some great football under Roberto de Zerbi. If Ansu Fati does join them, it’ll be a great deal for all parties involved and it will make them even stronger in attack.
It also shows how far Brighton have come as a team. Fati is a youngster from Barcelona who was widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in the game not long ago.
Prediction: Brighton 2-2 Newcastle
Robbie Savage’s prediction for Football365:
‘Brighton take on Newcastle United and I think one thing we can guarantee in this game is goals. Look how many goals have been in games featuring Brighton and Newcastle already at the start of this season. So I’m going for goals, I think there’ll be goals in the first half.
‘I tell you what, look at [Alexander] Isak for Newcastle. I think he’ll be on the scoresheet. And look at Solly March for Brighton. I think there’s going to be goals. Those two I fancy scoring. Goals in this game.
Prediction: Brighton 3-2 Newcastle United.
Chris Sutton’s prediction for the BBC:
‘A lot was made of Newcastle losing to 10 men – Liverpool is a game you’d expect them to see through, especially after taking the lead.
‘Brighton ended up losing to West Ham and they play this expansive style of game; they like teams who come onto them and Newcastle will certainly do that.
‘It’s impossible to predict this one. I’ll go for a draw.
Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Newcastle
