Newcastle United must do something they’ve not managed in years when the Premier League finally returns on Saturday.
Indeed, Brighton vs Newcastle United will see Eddie Howe take his side down to a ground in which they have struggled in recent years.
In fact, Newcastle United haven’t beaten the Seagulls at the Amex Stadium since both teams were promoted to the Premier League in 2017.
It’s a very difficult game for Howe and one that comes at an unwelcome time. The Magpies were building up a head of steam before the international break, so the pause in domestic football was not well-timed for the Newcastle United manager.
Brighton are unbeaten at home this season and Chris Sutton is not expecting that to change on Saturday.
Eddie Howe moves to shake hands with Fabian Hurzeler.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Chris Sutton reveals why he doesn’t expect Newcastle United to beat Brighton
The pundit has delivered his predictions for the Premier League fixture list in his BBC Sport column.
While the former Celtic striker admits he was impressed with Newcastle’s performance against Nottingham Forest last time out, he just doesn’t expect them to fully click into their attacking verve until Yoane Wissa is fit.
With that in mind, Sutton has predicted a 1-1 draw on the south coast.
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“I was impressed by Newcastle when I watched them against Forest,” he wrote.
“Their midfield is so powerful, and they have got good options out wide.
“I don’t think they will start firing properly up front until Yoane Wissa is fit to help Nick Woltemade but, defensively, they look pretty solid and that has been backed up by their results on the road.
“Newcastle have drawn all three of their away games in the league this season, without scoring or conceding.
“The goals will come, but I don’t see them as having enough to beat a Brighton team who always look dangerous even when they are not playing that well.
“The Seagulls have drawn two out of three at home so far, so I guess this has got a draw written all over it, too.”
Brighton manager already wary of one Newcastle United
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler has been speaking ahead of the game.
The German is unbeaten against the Magpies across the three games he’s faced them, so will no doubt be confident of getting a result on Saturday.
Still, Hurzeler has admitted he knows Newcastle star Nick Woltemade will provide a challenge for Brighton.
“He’s a special profile,” he said.
“He’s a tall player but also technical. He’s very good. A good execution of small actions in small spaces and he’s a great goalscorer. Overall, he’s a full package of a player, he has a lot of strengths and a lot of self confidence at the moment so it will be a challenge to defend him.”
The forward has four goals in six games for the club and looks like one of the form strikers in the Premier League as things stand.
Woltemade continued his good form over the international break by scoring his first senior goal for Germany.