The experts believe Newcastle United will return north with a point against Brighton this weekend. A dominant opening-day win over Nottingham Forest means the Magpies travel to the South Coast buoyant and looking to lay down a marker in the Premier League.
However, Graham Potter’s men also head into the clash full of confidence. Brighton pulled off a shock win away to Manchester United last Sunday and finished above Newcastle in May.
Eddie Howe & Co did claim a 2-1 victory against Brighton at St James’ Park towards the back end of the campaign but the game is evenly poised while the season remains in its infancy. The pundits anticipate a closely-fought affair at the Amex Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Mark Lawrenson
Working for Paddy Power, the former Liverpool defender has predicted a 1-1 draw - the same result in this fixture last season. Lawrenson said: “Brighton were outstanding against Man United, I loved the way they were so attacking in how they set up. They kept the ball extremely well and could have won by more.
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“Newcastle had a good start as well with a routine win against Nottingham Forest, who were stubborn for a while but that first goal changed the complexion of the game. Brighton aren’t really known for winning at home so I’ll take a 1-1 draw.”
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Newcastle United
Paul Merson
Merson echoed Lawrenson’s thoughts and also backed a 1-1 draw. In his Sportskeeda column, the ex-Arsenal winger thinks Newcastle must be more ruthless than they were against Forest last weekend.
“Both these teams got very good results in the Premier League last week,” he wrote. “Newcastle achieved an impressive victory and were dominant against Nottingham Forest.
“They took a lot of shots and there was plenty of action. They just need to be more ruthless and put their chances away.
“Brighton will count on Danny Welbeck this season - he's a very good footballer who's played for England. If Welbeck stays fit, he's a good player. If he plays all 38 Premier League games for Brighton, you know they'll be all right. But who's to say he'll stay fit?
“I think these two teams are on a level footing and there's not a lot between them. Newcastle and Brighton are evenly matched at the moment and could play out a draw this weekend.
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Newcastle United
Chris Sutton
BBC pundit Sutton admitted Brighton v Newcastle is a tricky game to call. Astonishingly, he also backed both sides to score a goal apiece.
The Seagulls have been healthy rivals for Newcastle in recent years, with both sides battling it out for the Championship title half a decade ago. Sutton said: “This is another game where I am thinking 'how can you predict this?'.
“Some Brighton fans were complaining they did not get a mention in the discussion about what happened to Manchester United on Sunday, but they did. The Seagulls are a really good team under Graham Potter and a really good watch too.
“The same goes for Newcastle, though. I liked the way they started the season against Nottingham Forest. Forest were not great but Newcastle showed plenty of intent going forward.
“I like watching Eddie Howe's teams and I am expecting this to be quite an expansive game. I don't want to predict another draw, but I think it will end with the points being shared.”
Prediction: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Newcastle United
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