Newcastle-Brighton is a rematch of the 25th day of the Premier League and is played Thursday at 8:30pm: TV, lineups, predictions.
Less than two weeks to the end of the 2022-23 Premier League. Yet there are still a few matches to make up that could revolutionize the hierarchies in the Champions League zone.
One of the most interesting is undoubtedly the challenge at St James’ Park between hosts Newcastle and Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton. A direct clash in its own right despite the eight points that currently separate the two teams in the standings. Ahead are the Magpies, third on equal points with Manchester United. The Bianconeri, protagonists of a sensational championship and spent constantly among the top four, in these last days seriously risk having to settle for minor Europe (which would in any case be a noteworthy result). The “blame” lies with Liverpool: the Reds have won all seven of their last matches and are now within striking distance of pulling off a comeback that would be sensational. Salah and his teammates, who also easily beat Leicester last Monday, are just a pasting behind Newcastle but have played one more match than both the Magpies and Manchester United. For Eddie Howe’s men, however, still masters of their own destiny, it will be crucial to win the last three matches: in addition to the crucial rematch with Brighton they will also face Leicester and Chelsea.
Direct match for Europe
On paper, the Seagulls, the team with the most games to make up, as many as four, would also be in play. With twelve points at their disposal, De Zerbi’s men will realistically try to consolidate sixth place, leaving Tottenham and Aston Villa behind.
Brighton players
Europa League qualification would be a historic achievement for Brighton, which has never played a continental event in the past. The team coached by the Emilia coach meanwhile also confirmed last Sunday that they are capable of anything, going on to win 3-0 at home to Arsenal and virtually ending the Gunners’ title dreams. Three wins in the last four for the Seagulls, while Newcastle’s slowdown is evident after their home defeat to Arsenal and Saturday’s disappointing draw at home to Leeds (2-2).
The Prediction
Two outsiders in this Premier League playing for so much. They will perhaps have more pressure on Newcastle, which now feels the breath on Liverpool’s neck. Brighton is an unpredictable and courageous team, but the Magpies have lost in front of their home crowd only twice this year, against Arsenal and Liverpool. They should get a positive result again this time in a match of at least three goals total.
The probable lineups of Newcastle-Brighton
- NEWCASTLE (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Saint-Maximin, Wilson, Isak.
- BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1): Steele; Gross, Dunk, Colwill, Estupinan; Caicedo, Gilmour; Mitoma, Mac Allister, Enciso; Ferguson.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-2
