Newcastle United host Brighton & Hove Albion this Saturday in what should be a very intriguing clash.
- Date: 19/10/2024
- Kick-off time: 15:00
- Location: St James' Park, Newcastle
Newcastle, currently 7th in the Premier League, have not quite found their stride this season despite sitting in a relatively strong position. Eddie Howe’s side have picked up 12 points from their opening seven fixtures, but performances on the pitch have often left fans and pundits feeling that there is more to come from this talented squad.
One of the key challenges for Newcastle has been their inconsistency, both in results and performances. On their day, they are capable of producing the dynamic, high-energy football that saw them finish in the top four last season. However, too often this term, they have looked a little disjointed and short of their best. For example, while victories over Aston Villa and Sheffield United were convincing, they struggled to find the same fluidity in losses to Liverpool and Manchester City. Part of this could be down to the team’s reliance on key players, such as Alexander Isak, whose absence has been felt in recent matches.
Isak’s availability has been one of the major talking points for Newcastle this season. The Swedish striker is a crucial player for the Magpies, capable of turning games with his intelligence and clinical finishing. However, his injury problems have led to him missing Newcastle's last two games, and his stop-start season has undoubtedly hindered Howe’s ability to field a consistent attacking unit. Callum Wilson remains a dependable option in attack, but without Isak, Newcastle's forward line lacks some of the dynamism and unpredictability that the Swede brings.
Behind the scenes, there may be even more significant challenges. There has been persistent speculation surrounding Eddie Howe’s future, with the Newcastle manager linked to the England national team job. Moreover, rumours of tension between Howe and Newcastle’s new sporting director, Paul Mitchell, have only added to the sense that all is not entirely settled at St James’ Park. It has been reported that Mitchell has reservations about some of Howe’s decisions, leading to an uncertain dynamic between the two, and this potential instability at boardroom level could seep onto the pitch if left unresolved.
However, despite these issues, Newcastle are still in a solid position and have the potential for a successful season. The squad is deep and full of quality, and if they can find their best form consistently, the Magpies should be more than capable of competing for European qualification again. Players like Bruno Guimarães and Kieran Trippier have continued to perform at a high level, and if Howe can keep his side focused amidst the off-field noise, there is still plenty of cause for optimism in the North East.
In contrast to Newcastle’s somewhat mixed start, Brighton & Hove Albion have enjoyed a strong opening to the season, currently sitting 6th in the Premier League. After a slight drop in form at the back end of last season, the Seagulls seem to have found their rhythm again under the guidance of new manager Fabian Hürzeler. With 12 points from their first seven games, Brighton will be aiming to build on last season’s 6th-place finish and make another push for European football.
Hürzeler, who took over in the summer, has impressed in his early days in charge. His tactical approach has been well-suited to Brighton’s existing philosophy, building on the foundations laid by his predecessor while adding his own ideas to the mix. Known for his emphasis on possession football and pressing high up the pitch, Hürzeler has managed to integrate a number of summer signings into the squad, ensuring that Brighton’s style of play remains fluid and effective.
One of the standout performers this season has been Georginio Rutter, a forward who joined from Leeds United in the summer. Rutter has settled in quickly at Brighton and has been delivering consistently strong performances in attack. His ability to link play and create opportunities for his teammates has added an extra dimension to the Seagulls’ forward line, making them an even more potent threat going forward.
Another player enjoying a fine run of form is Danny Welbeck. The veteran striker has been rejuvenated under Hürzeler and has already scored four goals in seven league appearances. At 33, Welbeck is showing no signs of slowing down and has been a key figure in Brighton’s attacking play, using his experience and movement to great effect. His performances have not only provided Brighton with goals but have also set the tone for their pressing game, with his work rate and intelligence off the ball being invaluable assets.
Despite their encouraging start, Brighton will be keen to avoid the drop in form they experienced towards the end of last season. After finishing 6th in 2022-23, the Seagulls faltered somewhat in the final stretch, and this season they will be determined to prove that they can maintain their high standards over the full campaign. European football is once again within their sights, and a positive result against Newcastle this weekend would go a long way to consolidating their position in the upper echelons of the league.
Premier League 
