Chris Sutton has shared when he expects Newcastle to be playing at their best in his latest Premier League predictions.
The Magpies’ 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest heading into the international break was only their second victory of the season.
While they have been handed a tough opening run of fixtures, Eddie Howe has struggled to get results but appeared to have turned a corner following the loss away to Arsenal.
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However, the 11th-placed side have suffered in one key aspect and their fortunes are not expected to change until November.
Eddie Howe looks dismayed as he walks onto the field to manage Newcastle United
Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Chris Sutton expects Newcastle to struggle without Yoane Wissa
Sutton offered his latest Premier League predictions for BBC Sport and believes the Magpies will struggle to score goals until Yoane Wissa returns.
“I was impressed by Newcastle when I watched them against Forest. 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 United Unveil New Signing Yoane Wissa
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
“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.”
Sutton expects Newcastle to secure a 1-1 draw at the Amex Stadium on Saturday despite winning their last two fixtures across all competitions.
Wissa is not expected to return until November – the £55 million deadline day signing has yet to take to the pitch at St James’ Park since the conclusion of the long-drawn-out transfer saga.
Meanwhile, the exceptional form of Nick Woltemade has filled the void left by Alexander Isak’s British record departure and helped Newcastle ease the burden of Wissa’s long-term absence.
Mark Clattenburg agrees with Chris Sutton
The ex-Premier League referee shares his predictions for this weekend’s fixtures for TBR Football, and Clattenburg also expects Newcastle to draw against Brighton.
Clattenburg said: “Draw. Newcastle have found some form, but Brighton are strong at home.”
While TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey predicts the Magpies to record a 2-0 win on the South Coast, it appears that the overall consensus is that Howe will drop more points on Saturday.
Newcastle are four points behind fifth-placed Manchester City, so there is no need to ring the alarm bells just yet, but they may not be able to wait for Wissa’s return to start rediscovering their best form.