Premier League Bets & Preview:
Newcastle v Brighton & Hove Albion

Newcastle United will host Brighton in a crucial Premier League encounter as they aim to secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League. After a controversial 2-2 draw against Leeds, which saw manager Eddie Howe assaulted by a spectator, Newcastle is determined to fight until the end to achieve their Champions League aspirations for the first time in two decades. Despite dropping points in their last two matches (D1, L1), Howe believes his team is prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

The Magpies’ quest starts with the home fixture against Brighton, where avoiding consecutive defeats at St James’ Park for the first time since October 2021 would secure them a spot in the UEFA Europa League at worst. Under Eddie Howe’s charge, Newcastle has suffered only three losses against opponents outside the “big six” clubs in his 62 Premier League games. This track record instils confidence that Newcastle can achieve positive results in their remaining matches.

However, history favours Brighton in their head-to-head encounters with Newcastle. The South Coast outfit has lost just once in their 11 Premier League meetings (W4, D6). Additionally, Brighton’s recent 3-0 victory over Arsenal showcased their potential, leaving them on course to qualify for European football for the first time in their history.

Interestingly, both managers have today been nominated for Manager of the Season by the Premier League and will be hoping to celebrate the news with a win tonight.

🚨 BREAKING: The Premier League has announced the nominees for the Barclay’s 2022/23 Manager of the Season award.#NUFC #AFC #MCFC #AVFC #FFC #BHAFChttps://t.co/ShHYR4XOLl

— Best Bet Guide (@BestBetGuide) May 18, 2023

Brighton currently sits in sixth place with 58 points, but manager Roberto De Zerbi acknowledges that it may not be enough to secure their desired spot in the UEFA Europa League. He will look to extend Brighton’s club-best tally of eight away Premier League victories in a single campaign. Notably, Brighton has won three of their last five away matches, providing a strong away form and another key stat to consider is that Brighton are the only team in the Premier League to have witnessed at least two goals in all of their away games, highlighting their total football style.

The key players in this fixture will be between Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope and Brighton midfielder Pascal Groß. Pope has managed clean sheets in half of their previous head-to-head encounters, but has only secured one victory due to four 0-0 draws. Groß, on the other hand, has been influential in his team’s success, winning each of the last ten appearances in which he has scored.

Newcastle v Brighton Team News

In terms of team news, Newcastle will be without Sean Longstaff, while Jacob Murphy is doubtful. Matt Ritchie, Emil Krafth, and Jamaal Lascelles are unavailable. For Brighton, Adam Webster, Joel Veltman, and Solly March are still ruled out due to injury. Long-term absentees for Brighton include Adam Lallana, Tariq Lamptey, Jeremy Sarmiento, and Jakub Moder. Additionally, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will not be involved, as per the decision of the player himself.

Looking at the match facts, Newcastle’s victory last season against Brighton is their only win in the 11 Premier League meetings between the two sides. Brighton has kept eight clean sheets against Newcastle in the Premier League, more than any other opponent.

Newcastle has been solid defensively, conceding a joint-low of 31 goals this season, but they have struggled to keep clean sheets in their recent fixtures. Their next goal will mark their best scoring record in the Premier League since 2001-02. The Magpies have struggled against teams in the top six, winning just one out of nine matches. However, Eddie Howe has an impressive record against Brighton, winning all four home matches against them.

On the other hand, Brighton aims to secure their highest-ever final position in a top-flight season. They have excelled in away matches, with eight Premier League victories on the road this campaign, trailing only Arsenal and Manchester City in this regard.

18th May: Bet of the Day Here