Newcastle United’s 2-2 draw against Bristol City and Brighton & Hove Albion’s spectacular 3-0 win over play-off contender, Reading, at home ensured that Chris Hughton’s side leapfrogged the black and white brigade to momentarily clinch the top spot in the 2016-17 Sky Bet Championship. Merely one point separates the top two and despite the fact that an automatic qualification is granted for both the first and second placed teams, bragging rights, as well as an addition to the trophy cabinet, are also up for grabs.
The Seagulls host Rafael Benitez & co. at the Falmer Stadium on 1st March for what promises to be an eye-catching nail-biting fixture as the top spot is at stake. Both these sides have been absolutely prolific this season and this fixture, at the onset, appears to arguably be the most exciting one. Here is our Brighton & Hove Albion line-up to face Newcastle United.
Predicted 4-4-2 Brighton & Hove Albion Lineup To Absolutely Destroy Newcastle United
Defence
No surprises are expected as far as handing the gloves are concerned as David Stockdale is expected to be stationed between the sticks once again. The 31-year-old is in a fine touch this campaign, accumulating 14 clean sheets from 28 appearances and has given huge confidence to the defence with his consistently consistent display.
Hughton should go on with his four-man defensive line, so the resilient pair of Shane Duffy and Lewis Dunk is expected to be engineered at the heart of his defence. Bruno and Sebastien Pocognoli should start on the right and left back slots, respectively.
Brighton have conceded merely 26 goals this term and one of the most important part for such a galvanising out has been the productivity of the defence.
Midfield
The midfield setup is pretty much settled and what is so intriguingly delightful to witness is the way the midfielders have shouldered the responsibility of finding the back of the net along with the strikers.
Time and again, they have chipped in with crucial goals, and against Benitez’s men, Anthony Knockaert should be dished out on the right wing and Jamie Murphy on the left. In the middle, we expect Dale Stephens and Steve Sidwell to start the proceedings at the Falmer Stadium.
Attack
The Seagulls are seemingly likely to start with the duo of Sam Baldock and Glenn Murray. Breaching the Magpies’ defence would be a tough nut to crack and these two strikers, who have combined well together, need to step up in order to ensure that Brighton have the last laugh.
