Newcastle United return to Premier League action against Brighton on Saturday and predictions have been made for the fixture.
The October international break has now come to an end and Newcastle United’s jet-setting stars will be making their way back to England to return to Premier League competition.
With Anthony Elanga’s problems with a struggling Sweden aside, it was a successful international break for Newcastle players.
Anthony Gordon dazzled for England as the Three Lions became the first team to qualify for the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Bruno Guimaraes picked up two amazing assists for Brazil and Nick Woltemade grabbed his first goal for Germany.
Eddie Howe will just be relieved that, other than Lewis Miley’s knock, none of his players appear to have picked up injuries, though William Osula is dealing with a knock.
The manager will need all the help he can get as Newcastle travel to Brighton on Saturday, a team they haven’t been able to beat for more than two years.
It’s an important game and Geordie Boot Boys writers have given their predictions.
Yanukba Mineh apologises after scoring against Newcastle United.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
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Yankuba Minteh could be a problem again – Daniel Murphy
Newcastle have an impressive post-international break record under Howe and were just starting to click for the first time this season before the break.
Their wins against Union SG and Nottingham Forest were impressive, exciting and dominant, with the new-look attacking forming a dangerous chemistry.
Woltemade’s form in front of goal is especially beneficial for Newcastle and they should go into the game with confidence.
Yet, the pause in play may have served to disrupt their momentum and Brighton have proven to be a bogey side for the Magpies. Newcastle haven’t beaten Brighton in five attempts, with former winger Yankuba Minteh being particularly troublesome.
Minteh going up against Dan Burn could be a massive problem, likewise Kaoru Mitoma with Kieran Trippier.
It might be hard to break the streak, but a draw would be a good result.
Prediction: Brighton 2-2 Newcastle.
A draw would be a good result for Newcastle – Jonnie Gorrie
It’s difficult to see Newcastle United going down to Brighton and winning, given the fact that it hasn’t happened in the Premier League era.
Howe’s rock-solid defence always gives Newcastle a chance but their record against Brighton is so poor that it inspires little confidence.
A draw, particularly after another draining international break, has to be considered a good result.
Prediction: Brighton 1-1 Newcastle, and that’s being optimistic. Brighton away holds bad memories for Newcastle fans in recent years.
Newcastle’s bad away form to continue – James Rutherford
History is not on Newcastle United’s side this weekend, as they travel to a ground they have only ever won once at.
That was under Rafa Benitez when Mo Diame scored the flukiest goal you will ever see.
Even during the Magpies’ rise under Eddie Howe, they have continued to struggle against Brighton. They are always a tough opponent, and I expect that to continue on Saturday.
Newcastle are yet to win away from home in the Premier League this season, and I think that trend will continue.
Prediction: Brighton 0-0 Newcastle