Preview: Newcastle v Brighton in the Premier League
Eddie Howe’s men are tasked with a difficult assignment as they invite Brighton to St James’ Park on Thursday evening as both teams continue to fight for a place in a European competition.
Last updated 18th May 2023
Eddie Howe’s men are tasked with a difficult assignment as they invite Brighton to St James’ Park on Thursday evening as both teams continue to fight for a place in a European competition.
Optimism, adrenaline and anxiety are just three of the many emotions Newcastle United fans have been put through in the last week, as their Champions League chase intensifies.
A land deemed imaginary is in reaching grasps, as the Geordies’ odyssey through the tough has finally turned a page to a new prosperous chapter, where the club will undoubtedly reach the highs of the past and ultimately bleed success.
Yet, even if they are ahead of schedule, Howe’s men are still desperate to qualify for Europe’s most prestigious competition. They will more than likely need to win their upcoming fixture against Brighton, following the ever-increasing pressure that Liverpool is putting on The Magpies with their surging run positioning them in fifth place, just one point behind them.
Although Liverpool have played an additional game, they still currently pose as the biggest threat to provide the spoils to Newcastle’s Champions League challenge. Their winning run was further extended on Monday night as they beat a struggling Leicester side 3-0, which made it seven consecutive victories for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Newcastle’s reunion with Sam Allardyce did not result in the ideal outcome as despite their control over Leeds in their previous match, it ultimately counted for very little, as the game finished 2-2. Yet, it is currently unknown how valued that point will prove to be in their race for top four – which is becoming more dramatic by the week.
The Geordies will be hoping that Brighton don’t turn up in the same manner as they did against Arsenal on Sunday. The Seagulls put in a dazzling display at The Emirates Stadium, defeating Mikel Arteta’s charge 3-0, causing them to essentially wave goodbye to any title-winning hopes that may have still lingered.
Although it will be a tough challenge, Howe has reinforced he looks positively ahead of the match:
“It’s a huge game, one we’re looking forward to. I think it’s going to be a really good game between two excellent teams. It’s going to be a really tough assignment for us but one at home that we’re not fearful of.”
The Newcastle boss also shrugged off feeling any pressure from Liverpool:
"I don't feel like we're being hunted. I don't feel that emotion. It's us against ourselves, really. That's how I see it. It's us trying to be the best we can be.
"I've not focused on any other team all season. In my experience, I knew Liverpool were never far away because they are a top team, and they are capable of going on runs of wins.
“For us, we can’t look at it or compare ourselves to Liverpool. We just have to look at us.”
Currently, Newcastle’s biggest struggle is actually their defence, something that seemingly looked solidified in the first half of the season. However, they have only managed to keep one clean sheet in their last 17 games, which is sub-par for a side that is chasing the top four. They will especially need to remain organised at the back due to Brighton’s recent goalscoring exploits that have seen them find the net 12 times in their last four games.
In terms of team news, it is doubtful that Jacob Murphy will be involved in the clash, as well as Sean Longstaff who is still recovering from a foot injury.