The Super Sunday in the Premier League this weekend sees the two sides automatically promoted meet for the first time in the top flight when Brighton and Hove Albion host Newcastle United at the Amex Stadium.
Both sides will be pretty happy with their starts to the season but they will be aware of the chance of picking up three points which could yet be vital to the overall picture come the end of the campaign.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Brighton have picked up a win and a draw from their opening five matches. On the face of it that might not seem much but it is acceptable in their first season at this level especially when you think they’ve played Man City and been to Leicester already. One match they wouldn’t mind again was the defeat to Bournemouth last time out.
One area of concern for the Seagulls will be a lack of goals. They have only scored four times this season and three of those came in one match. They must find a way of being more dynamic going forward while not losing any of their defensive stability. We saw with Middlesbrough that sides who find scoring difficult don’t stay in this league long.
Newcastle United
It took Newcastle United a couple of matches to find their feet this season. They were well beaten by Spurs in the opening game although there is no shame in that. They would have been more disappointed with the defeat to Huddersfield which followed but three wins since then have turned it into a very good start.
Unlike some promoted sides Newcastle have had few issues creating chances. They might need to be more ruthless at certain times as they go along but by and large they look well set to establish themselves in the division once again. In recent times they have defended stoutly which is never a bad platform to have.
Team News
Brighton will be able to welcome their captain Bruno back after the defender was forced to sit out the Bournemouth defeat. Glenn Murray is fit which is a big boost and Izzy Brown could also return to the side.
Newcastle remain without Aleksandar Mitkovic who completes a suspension in this match. Rafael Benitez is likely to name an unchanged side from their win over Stoke.
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Betting
I’m not sure what to make of his match. If you forced me into a bet I might side with Newcastle. Brighton just don’t score enough goals for my liking but you have to respect them defensively. I guess that should bring unders into play but the goal line reflects Brighton’s philosophy.
In truth there is nothing that jumps out at me in the major markets here so rather than force something I will keep my powder dry for the many matches there are to come this season.
Tips
No Bet
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