Newcastle United vs Brighton: FA Cup Preview

Newcastle United are gearing up for a crucial FA Cup quarter-final clash with Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James’ Park this Sunday, as they continue their pursuit of a domestic cup double. The Magpies, who are already set to appear at Wembley in the EFL Cup final against Liverpool, aim to end a 70-year FA Cup drought. Meanwhile, Brighton come into this tie with momentum, having made their third consecutive appearance in the FA Cup fifth round. This game promises to be a high-intensity encounter with plenty at stake for both teams.

Player News:

Newcastle United:

Alexander Isak (groin) is a doubt after missing the midweek defeat to Liverpool, with manager Eddie Howe yet to confirm his availability. If Isak is unavailable, Callum Wilson will likely lead the line.

Joelinton (knee) and Sven Botman (knee) are both facing fitness tests ahead of the match. Their potential returns would be a boost for the Magpies.

Jamaal Lascelles remains sidelined for the long-term, but Joe Willock is expected to feature after scoring the match-winner against Birmingham in the last round of the FA Cup.

Brighton & Hove Albion:

Brighton will be missing Lewis Dunk (ribs), Joel Veltman (ankle), Igor Julio (knee), James Milner (thigh), and Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), with Jason Steele (shoulder) also out of contention.

Carl Rushworth is cup-tied, but Bart Verbruggen will continue in goal, despite his early blunder against Chelsea in the fourth round.

Manager Fabian Hurzeler has a selection dilemma in attack with Danny Welbeck, Joao Pedro, and Georginio Rutter all vying for a spot in the starting XI.

Market:

1x2 Odds:

Newcastle: 2.15 (+115)

Draw: 3.7 (+270)

Brighton: 3.05 (+205)

Newcastle come into this fixture as slight favorites, reflecting their strong home form and their guaranteed trip to Wembley in the EFL Cup. Brighton, however, have been in excellent form and will feel confident after their recent successes, including their FA Cup win over Chelsea.

Recent Form:

Newcastle United (LWLWWL):

The Magpies have been inconsistent in recent weeks, suffering losses to Liverpool and Manchester City in the Premier League, but they bounced back with wins against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest.

In the FA Cup, Newcastle advanced past Bromley and Birmingham, albeit with some defensive concerns in their narrow 3-2 victory over Birmingham.

Eddie Howe's side has struggled defensively recently, conceding 9 goals in their last three Premier League games, raising questions about their ability to cope with Brighton’s potent attack.

Brighton & Hove Albion (WWWWL):

Brighton have been excellent since their 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, winning their last 4 in all competitions, including notable victories over Chelsea and Bournemouth.

In the FA Cup, the Seagulls have been solid, with a 4-0 victory over Norwich and a resilient 2-1 win over Chelsea in the last round.

Their only recent loss came at the hands of Nottingham Forest, but overall, Brighton have been in top form, especially away from home.

Situational Spot:

Head-to-Head:

The two sides have met 35 times in the past, with Brighton holding a slight edge, winning 14 times compared to Newcastle’s 10 victories. Remarkably, Brighton has won their last four FA Cup matches against Newcastle without conceding a single goal.

Earlier this season, Brighton secured a 1-0 win at St. James’ Park in the Premier League, with Danny Welbeck scoring the decisive goal.

Recent FA Cup Performance:

Newcastle have won their last nine FA Cup matches at this stage of the competition. Brighton, on the other hand, has been steadily progressing in the competition and will be keen to continue their recent dominance over the Magpies in the FA Cup.

Matchup:

This clash promises to be a tactical battle, with both teams boasting distinct playing styles. Newcastle will look to dominate possession and control the midfield, with Sandro Tonali expected to be the linchpin in the middle of the park. The Magpies rely on a high press and fast transitions, so if Alexander Isak is fit, he will be crucial in stretching the Brighton defense.

However, Brighton’s counter-attacking style and fluid formations under Hurzeler will pose significant challenges. Brighton have been potent going forward, especially with Joao Pedro, Danny Welbeck, and Kaoru Mitoma in attack. Georginio Rutter, who has been in blistering form in the FA Cup, will likely be the key man for Brighton, with his creative vision and goal-scoring ability a major threat to the Newcastle defense.

Defensively, both teams have their vulnerabilities. Newcastle have conceded a worrying number of goals in recent games, and they’ll need to tighten up at the back to withstand Brighton’s attacking pace. Conversely, Brighton will miss the leadership of Lewis Dunk, but they have managed to adapt well in his absence and will look to exploit Newcastle’s high defensive line.

Players to Watch:

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle): The Italian midfielder has been excellent in recent weeks, with his ability to break up play and distribute the ball quickly crucial for Newcastle’s transition game.

Georginio Rutter (Brighton): The French forward has been in sensational form, contributing with both goals and assists in the FA Cup. He will be key to Brighton’s attacking movements in this tie.

Final Words:

Both teams have plenty to play for as they head into this FA Cup quarter-final. Newcastle United are striving to end a 70-year cup drought and would love to add another date at Wembley to their calendar, while Brighton, under the astute guidance of Fabian Hurzeler, are aiming to continue their strong run in the competition. 

Newcastle’s offensive power, led by Callum Wilson and potentially Alexander Isak, will be pitted against a well-organized Brighton defense. However, Brighton’s high press and counter-attacking threat, spearheaded by Georginio Rutter and Danny Welbeck, could prove to be a real test for Eddie Howe’s men.

Expect a closely contested affair at St. James’ Park, where both teams will likely battle it out for a spot in the quarter-finals, with Newcastle’s home advantage and recent FA Cup history potentially giving them the edge.