Brighton vs Newcastle predictions: Magpies to boost Champions League hopes
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- Brighton remain in the mix for a European finish
- Newcastle are third in the table heading into this weekend's fixtures
- Recommended bet: Newcastle to win
Two teams chasing European football meet at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, when Brighton host Newcastle in the Premier League.
The Seagulls find themselves six points adrift of seventh-placed Aston Villa heading into this weekend's fixtures, while the Magpies are third in the standings and in firm contention for a Champions League finish.
Team news
Brighton are without Ferdi Kadioglu, Georginio Rutter, James Milner and Jason Steele due to injury, while Adam Webster, Igor Julio and Jan Paul van Hecke are doubts and will need to be assessed.
Lewis Hall, Matt Targett and Jamaal Lascelles are sidelined for Newcastle due to injury. Joelinton is struggling with a knee problem and is unlikely to feature.
The stats
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Brighton snapped a six-game run without a win in all competitions with last weekend's 3-2 home victory over West Ham.
The Seagulls have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight league matches, while they have recorded just one shutout from their last eight league fixtures at the Amex Stadium.
Newcastle defeated Ipswich 3-0 last time out at St James' Park, making it seven victories from their last eight matches in all competitions.
The Magpies have won two of their last three away games in the top flight, beating West Ham and Leicester before suffering a heavy 4-1 loss at Aston Villa.
Brighton are attempting to do the league double over Newcastle, following their 1-0 victory on Tyneside back in October.
Prediction
Brighton will be hoping that their late comeback victory against West Ham can spur them on for the remainder of the season, but Newcastle are a different beast to the Hammers and this could prove to be a difficult afternoon for the Seagulls.
The Magpies responded well to the heavy loss at Villa with a comfortable victory over Ipswich, a result that put them back on track for finishing in the top five and securing Champions League football for the next campaign.
Eddie Howe's side are on a terrific run of form and they will have revenge on their minds, having lost 2-1 to Brighton after extra-time in the FA Cup in March.
Given the defensive struggles of the Seagulls and the attacking prowess Newcastle possess in the likes of Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes to name a few, this looks like a prime opportunity for the visitors to pick up all three points against their inconsistent hosts.
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