Newcastle United’s latest draw at home to Bristol City meant that the Magpies would be starting the highly- anticipated clash with Brighton & Hove Albion from the second position with one less point in hand. It is quite obvious that two leading title Championship contenders won’t have their fate decided by this fixture’s result as both have failed to carry the momentum they had in the first half of the season.
Both the teams have faltered against lower and mid table sides as fatigue crept in with time, which has helped others to get into the game. Huddersfield Town are now five points behind Newcastle United and sees a realistic chance of giving it a go for automatic promotion. And a defeat here for either side will only help their cause. A win for Newcastle United or Brighton will nonetheless make a statement.
A closer look at the Magpie’s home record this season would suggest that they are not the clear favourites for the game. The Magpies’ home form has recently taken a dip compared to their away record. They have collected only 35 points 17 games, which is the sixth best in the league behind Brighton, Huddersfield, Leeds United, Reading FC and Norwich City.
Brighton, on the other hand, have collected 29 points from 16 away games, which is second best only to Newcastle United.
Predicted 4-4-1-1 Newcastle United Lineup Vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Defence
Karl Darlow is expected to continue taking his place under the bar. The English goalie had an unexpected game against Bristol last weekend and the 26-year-old would expect to have a better time between the sticks this time hoping a clean sheet.
Newcastle United’s success this season has largely been because of their organised back-four, which has rarely changed. Although it was breached twice by Bristol City last game, we expect the boss to keep trust in them and name an unchanged side. Paul Dummett should take his left-back role with Vurnon Anita starting on the right defensive flank. The return of Anita has been a huge boost for the boss who is expected to replace DeAndre Yedlin by Anita in this game.
The centre-half duo of Ciaran Clank and Jamaal Lascelles are expected to start in the centre-half position. They have started most games for Newcastle United together and complement each other well at the back.
Midfield
Jonjo Shelvey and Jack Colback should start in the midfield. Benitez is having a shortage of options in the midfield as Isaac Hayden remains out with an ankle injury, however, he will be happy to have his first-choice fit for the game. Mo Diame is expected to start from the bench.
The left-flank will be taken by Yoan Gouffran and fan-favourite Matt Ritchie will start on the right flank.
Attack
Aleksandar Mitrovic is expected to start as the striker Dwight Gayle continues to recover from his hamstring. We expect Ayoze Perez to take his position as the secondary striker behind Mitrovic.
