Newcastle United have two home games in which to secure their place in next season's Champions League - starting against Brighton and Hove Albion tonight. With Leicester to come to St James' Park on Monday, Eddie Howe and Co know they can take a giant step towards a confirmed top four place by beating the Seagulls this evening.
That's easier said than done, of course, with Brighton fresh from a 3-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. However, while Roberto de Zerbi's men were impressive in North London, that came after a 5-1 home defeat to Everton last week - so United will be hoping it's that Brighton that shows up tonight.
This game was postponed due to Newcastle's participation in the Carabao Cup final, and is the game in hand they hold over Liverpool. A win tonight means Jurgen Klopp's Reds must realistically beat Aston Villa on Saturday to have any chance of catching the Magpies. Here's all you need to know.
READ MORE: Newcastle's recent form compared to Liverpool and Brighton should calm nerves
When is Newcastle United vs Brighton?
The game takes place tonight, Thursday, May 18, at St James' Park. Kick-off is at the slighlty earlier than normal time of 7.30pm.
Is Newcastle United vs Brighton on TV?
Yes, the game will be broadcast live by Sky Sports on their football channels. Coverage gets under way at 7pm.
How can I follow Newcastle United vs Brighton?
We will be live blogging the game as always on ChronicleLive, with all the latest right here on our Newcastle United page.
Can Newcastle United qualify for the Champions League tonight?
No, but they can take a big step towards it. Liverpool's win over Leicester on Monday night means they are just a point behind Newcastle going into tonight's game. Three points for the Magpies would mean Liverpool would have to beat Aston Villa on Saturday to stand a chance of catching Eddie Howe's men. A draw at Anfield would mean Liverpool could still draw level, but Newcastle have a superior goal difference. Regardless of what Liverpool do, wins over Brighton and then Leicester on Monday will ensure Champions League football for Newcastle.
Newcastle United vs Brighton team news
Eddie Howe must decided whether to employ Alexander Isak in a wide-left role, a No 10 behind Callum Wilson or up front instead of United's No 9. A switch to the formation seen in the second half at Leeds, could mean a return to the starting XI for Allan Saint-Maximin or Anthony Gordon, or Joe Willock could be used on the left. Jacob Murphy looks set to miss out through injury.
Brighton forward Julio Enciso is expected to be fit after the striker limped off 10 minutes from time at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon. The visitors will certainly be without Solly March (hamstring) and Jeremy Sarmiento (metatarsal), midfielders Adam Lallana (hamstring) and Jakub Moder (ACL), along with defenders Adam Webster, Joel Veltman (hamstring), and Tariq Lamptey (knee).
Newcastle vs Brighton odds
- Newcastle 21/10
- Draw 3/1
- Brighton 5/2
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