Newcastle v Brighton: Match Preview, Team News, Prediction

After five consecutive defeats it definitely wasn't the best preparation for the pre-planned PIF meeting with NUFC senior management at Matfen Hall.

There will have been frank discussions - for sure -more than has been reported in the media or those snippets that Eddie gave out in today's presser. That is definitely one meeting where I would have liked to be a fly on the wall.

Match Preview

Really this preview can be summed up in a few words...

We need a win to put all talk of relegation to bed. End of.

Even the national media are now realising that NUFC aren't yet 100% safe and another defeat against Brighton, and a Spurs win, would get the tongues wagging furiously.

Given that Brighton are one of our bogey sides and the fact that they are on a five game unbeaten run with four wins and a draw - there will be some nervous fans in the stadium and among those watching or listening to the game on TV and radio.

Brighton also have an outside chance of qualifying for CL so you can bet that they won't be approaching this game with anything other than being hell bent on getting another win.

The one positive for Eddie and the squad is that we gave a good show of ourselves against Arsenal and but for Osula and Wissa's missed chances we could have come away with a well deserved draw.

That said, Brighton are on a high and their possession based game has always been one that we have struggled against in our contests over recent seasons. And, in Danny Welbeck, they have a player who scores against us more often than not.

Both teams have plenty to play for and this will be no 'minds are already on the sun loungers' game - the heat will be on both sides though to get a result.

Team News

Jo is available after suspension and it remains to be seem whether Eddie sticks to the system he played against Arsenal or reverts to 4-3-3.

Despite two goals in his last three games will Eddie replace Osula with Wolt for a rare start in the CF role?

The only question mark there is he would be up against one of the Pl's most aggressive CB's, Van Hecke. Not exactly the type of player that Woltemade can dominate.

Whichever formation or team Eddie puts out this is going to be a tough game.

Prediction

The result of this game could well have been decided on the Benton training pitch.

Eddie has had more time over the past two weeks with the squad than he has had all season and we'll see against Brighton whether that has had a 'magic wand' effect.

Four things affect every game; skill, tactics, luck and, most importantly, attitude.

There is nowt you can do about luck and not a lot you can do about the skill in the squad you have. But, there is plenty a manager can do regarding tactics and attitude.

Those last two factors could have a big influence on the game and result - for the good or for the bad. And both factors also rely hugely on the players themselves.

The thought of a sixth successive defeat, five in the PL, is unthinkable, especially if Spurs pull off a second consecutive win under Frank.

I am going to throw my fiver on a 2-1 win to the Toon but I'll be happy with a point.

NOTE: Me, JFA and The Mighty Wyn will be downstairs in the Casino bar pre-match on Stowell Street from 1.30pm. All pints are just £4 on match days - we'll be opposite the big screen at the far end of the bar. If you are going to the game why not join us.

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