Chris Sutton believes it is a ‘big ask’ for Brighton to beat Newcastle United again.
The two sides meet for the third time this season on Sunday, as Eddie Howe and his side travel to the Amex Stadium in search of revenge.
Newcastle United have played against Brighton twice this season and lost twice. That includes the agonising FA Cup defeat that went to extra time.
But after Newcastle’s win over Ipswich was followed by Nottingham Forest losing to Brentford, Howe will know that a positive result on Sunday will see his team take a giant stride towards Champions League qualification.
Chris Sutton predicts Brighton vs Newcastle United
However, Chris Sutton does not think that the Magpies will be victorious on the south coast.
Instead, he has told BBC Sport that Brighton vs Newcastle United will be a draw.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images
“Brighton got back to winning ways last weekend thanks to Carlos Baleba’s brilliant late strike against West Ham,” he said.
“The Seagulls beat Newcastle at St James’ Park earlier in the season too, but that was before Eddie Howe’s side hit their stride, and it is a big ask for Brighton to repeat that result.
“Newcastle were just relentless in their win over Ipswich and another three points here would be massive in their bid for a top-five finish – I don’t think they will get them, but we will see a few goals.”
Sutton’s prediction: Brighton 2 Newcastle United 2
Newcastle United injury update ahead of Brighton
Newcastle’s record at the Amex Stadium is shocking. They have not won there since 2017 when both sides were challenging at the top of the Championship.
Howe will aim to improve Newcastle’s record away to Brighton, despite Sutton thinking his side are only capable of winning a point.
Newcastle will be without Joelinton on Sunday, with the 28-year-old suffering from a knee injury. There are fears that his season could be over, which is a real blow.
In his absence, Joe Willock is likely to start in midfield rather than Lewis Miley. He features in Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle XI to face Brighton.
Joelinton appears to be the only major injury concern heading into Sunday’s game.
Sven Botman was back in the squad for the win over Ipswich Town after knee surgery, while Anthony Gordon has trained this week despite Howe admitting that the winger is still not fully fit.
Elsewhere, left-backs Matt Targett and Lewis Hall are out for the season, while Jamaal Lascelles is training on the grass as he aims to play at least once this campaign following an ACL injury in March 2024.