Newcastle vs Brighton Predictions

• Newcastle have won four of their last five home games.
• Brighton have two defeats in their last four away.
• Newcastle have conceded in seven of their last eight at St James’ Park.

European contenders clash on Tyneside

Brighton ended Arsenal’s title dream last time out and now have a chance to put a dent in Newcastle’s Champions League push when the two sides meet at St James’ Park on Thursday.

Albion have European ambitions of their own but a top four spot still looks unlikely despite their win at the Emirates. They look well placed to secure Europa League football, however, as the club look to qualify for a place in Europe for the first time in their history.

St James’ still a stronghold for Newcastle

The Magpies suffered just their second home loss of the season in their last game at St James’ Park as they went down 2-0 to Arsenal but they can bounce back on Thursday.

Eddie Howe’s men have 10 wins and five draws from 17 home games so far, and they have won four of their last five in front of their own fans.

Brighton have lost two of their last four away and it remains to be seen just how much they have left in the tank after that memorable performance against the Gunners. Roberto De Zerbi’s troops looked a little jaded in their 5-1 loss to Everton prior to their win in North London, and they may struggle to pick themselves up again as they have a quick turnaround for this midweek fixture so a home win looks the best option for our main bet.

Both teams can get on the scoresheet

A 2-1 win for Newcastle seems a reasonable correct score prediction as they score on average 1.9 goals-per-game at home but clean sheets have become an issue for the North East club of late, as they have gone eight games without a shut-out and have conceded in seven of their last eight at St James’ Park.

Callum Wilson is the obvious pick for an anytime goal bet as his brace of penalties against Leeds was the third time in his last four games where he has scored two goals, and he has seven in total in his last five appearances.

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