Albion visit St. James’ Park on Thursday night in what might be a season-defining game.
Candidates for the top four Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion meet at St. James’ Park in a rescheduled Premier League match that might be crucial to both sides’ European ambitions.
Eddie Howe’s squad failed to win their most recent home encounter against Leeds United after succumbing to a 2-0 setback against Arsenal. They did, however, get an important point in a tense Premier League match at Elland Road over the weekend. Liverpool and Manchester United seized on Newcastle’s mistake to significantly reduce the gap.
With only one point separating third-placed Newcastle, Manchester United, and Liverpool, the Toon have little leeway when Brighton visits. At first glance, the Tynesiders appear to be a top-four contender. But keep in mind that this is the same core that was facing relegation just one and a half years ago.
They’ve come a long way in a short time and improved in every category, with Newcastle fans now more anxious about whether their team will be in the Europa League or the Champions League rather than relegation.
Newcastle are guaranteed a top-six finish and, at the very worst, will be playing in the Europa League. But Champions League qualification is still in their own hands. If Newcastle beat Brighton and then thrash Leicester City next Monday, the job is done. And if the Magpies beat Brighton and Liverpool lose to Aston Villa on Saturday, it will be a done deal for them, with neither the Reds nor the south coast club able to catch them in that case.
Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Isak
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