Newcastle vs Brighton Predictions

• Newcastle have taken seven points from a possible nine at home in the Premier League this season
• Both teams have scored in five of Brighton’s seven league fixtures this term
• These sides are level on 12 points in the top flight
• Anthony Gordon has struck two Premier League goals this campaign

Magpies could welcome back key men

It has been more than a month since Newcastle last recorded a win in the Premier League but they can get back to winning ways at home to Brighton on Saturday.

The Magpies last posted a victory in the top flight against Wolves in September before defeat to Fulham and draws with Manchester City and Everton.

The City stalemate was hardly a disastrous result, though, and they dominated in their 0-0 draw with Everton, having seen a shot cleared off the line and a penalty missed in the first half.

Eddie Howe’s side were without the services of key front men Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in their trip to Goodison Park but the good news for them is that both could make a return on Saturday.

Isak bagged 21 goals in the Premier League last season, so his return especially should not be underestimated and the Swede should lift Newcastle’s spirits.

Home form could be crucial for Newcastle this term

The rest will likely have been welcomed by Howe’s side, who were slipping before the international hiatus, and they will also be pleased to return to St James’ Park.

Newcastle have picked up two wins and a draw from their three home fixtures in the Premier League this season, having beaten Southampton and Tottenham on home soil.

Home is where the heart is for the Tyneside outfit and they are worth backing to record maximum points against Brighton, who are level on 12 points with Newcastle but ahead on goal difference.

Defensive inconsistency problematic for Brighton

Fabian Hurzeler’s side signed off in style before the international break, recovering from 2-0 down after 37 minutes to beat Tottenham 3-2 at the Amex Stadium.

Goals from Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck turned that match on its head for the Seagulls and there is no doubting their quality going forwards.

However, that was the fourth successive match in all competitions in which they have conceded at least two goals, having lost 4-2 in their most recent away contest against Chelsea in September.

Their defensive inconsistencies point to a Newcastle win and there could be a few goals in this one, so back the Magpies to win 2-1 in the correct score market.

As for a goalscorer pick, Anthony Gordon has already scored twice in the league this season and, while the likes of Isak and Wilson find their feet again, the former Everton man could be the wiser pick to score.