Newcastle United will go head-to-head with Brighton & Hove Albion at St James’ Park in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.
A good finish in the Premier League is the priority for both sides, but they will also look to keep alive their dreams of winning silverware this season.
Match Preview
Newcastle will be coming off a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Wednesday night. The Magpies produced a disappointing display at Anfield and deservedly lost the game.
Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring before Alexis Mac Allister added another in the second-half to make it 20 wins from 28 league matches for the Reds.
Newcastle have been enduring a frustrating run of form in recent months. They have lost four of their previous six top-flight matches.
But despite the poor results, Eddie Howe’s side are just three points off the top-four.
On the other hand, Brighton have seen a massive improvement since the 7-0 thrashing at the hands of Nottingham Forest last month.
The Seagulls knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup before claiming three consecutive victories in the English top-flight.
Their most recent game saw them beating Bournemouth 2-1 on Tuesday.
Joao Pedro put Brighton ahead at the Amex Stadium before Justin Kluivert levelled the scores for the visitors.
However, Fabian Hürzeler’s side had the last laugh as Danny Welbeck netted the winner in the 75th minute.
Team News
Howe will not be able to avail the services of Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Jamal Lewis and Joelinton as they are all in the treatment room. Alexander Isak is also a doubt after missing the away clash with Liverpool due to a groin injury.
As for Brighton, Jason Steele, Igor, Lewis Dunk, Ferdi Kadioglu, Joel Veltman and James Milner will missing due to fitness issues.
Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion potential line-ups
Newcastle United: Dubravka; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley; Murphy, Wilson, Gordon
Brighton & Hove Albion: Verbruggen; Lamptey, Webster, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Welbeck
How to Watch?
Football fans can watch all the FA Cup matches via live online streams.
Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion prediction
Newcastle are struggling for form but they are expected to bounce back in front of their home crowd on Sunday.
Brighton will look to exploit the Magpies’ frailty at the back, but their opponents’ attacking quality means a draw is a likely outcome on Sunday, with the hosts to prevail on penalties.
Newcastle United 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion
