Brighton (H): Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-up and prediction

Brighton’s long trek to St James’ Park provided us with a memorable 90 minutes as we thundered towards Champions League football last May.

The circumstances are similar as we welcome the Seagulls back to the Magpies’ nest. Eddie Howe’s Mags are again pushing for Europe and know that seven points from the final three games will seal European football once more.

Roberto De Zerbi has had a mixed season at the helm of the south coast side and has been linked with a move away constantly over the last few months.

At the demolition of Burnley in our last game, Howe was able to call upon Joelinton for the first time in what seemed like forever and it was great to see the Brazilian powerhouse back on the pitch. Howe may have some selection headaches, something he hasn’t had to contend with this season.

“Roberto has done a great job, along with Graeme before him,” Howe said of the weekend’s opponents.

“Their style is difficult to control. They stick to their method and have become very strong at it. If you don’t get the tactical framework right, you’re in for a very tough afternoon.

“We were off it tactically in the game at Brighton. We know we are going to need to perform well. They are a very strong team.”

It will also be the last game at St James’ Park this season and, given the reports around the possibility of relocating to a larger stadium in the city, perhaps one of the last end-of-season ties to be played at SJP.

“We have loved playing at home this season. I have been really pleased with how we have performed at home,” Howe said.

“We have a good feel, good energy and been very aggressive in our play. We are thankful for the support we have received from the fans. The crowd have embraced our style.”

Team news

Kieran Trippier has trained this week but his involvement this weekend is subject to Howe’s decision. However, the game may come too soon for Fabian Schar despite Howe saying he is improving.

Joelinton and Miggy Almiron have both trained well and should be involved in the squad again, while it is likely Nick Pope remains on the bench after returning from injury.

The visitors could be without top scorer Joao Pedro who has an ankle knock. Wingers Mitoma and March also remain out.

Predicted line-up: Dubravka; Livramento, Krafth, Burn, Hall; Murphy, Bruno, Longstaff, Gordon; Wilson, Isak.

I think the XI will be unchanged from the team that started against Burnley. But with Trippier, Pope, Joelinton, Anderson, Barnes and Miggy potentially on the bench, could we see the best bench Newcastle United have put out all season? It would certainly make a nice change!

Prediction: Newcastle 3 – 0 Brighton

I feel confident that we will score a few and win this one convincingly. That being said, my confidence has been misplaced before.

Brighton have been in poor form coming into this with only two wins in their last eight league games, while Newcastle are one of the form teams heading into the final three games. We need to win to bolster our chances of Europa League next season. Let’s get it done.

HOWAY!