Newcastle United's season is falling on a whimper as the Magpies are closing out the campaign with the mood at St.James' Park abysmal during recent weeks. The home side faces a Brighton & Hove Albion side who are in excellent shape to confirm a European place this season.
Eddie Howe's side has seen their own European aspirations obliterated in the last few weeks, and the Magpies are now lumbering in 14th place. A potential two defeats in their next two games, accompanied by results elsewhere, could drag the home side into an unforeseen relegation battle. Newcastle United are on a five-game losing streak in all competitions and four straight defeats in the Premier League, beginning with a 2-1 home defeat to Sunderland in the Tyne-Wear Derby. The home form for the Magpies has been extremely poor, with the hosts losing five of their last six league fixtures at St.James' Park. Newcastle United have seen the bulk of their goals conceded at home, with 1.65 conceded per 90 on home soil.
In contrast, Brighton & Hove Albion have picked up form at the right stage of the season. The Seagulls are heading into this game unbeaten in their last five matches, with four wins and a draw. Fabian Hurzeler's side has beaten fellow European competitors in Chelsea and Liverpool over the last few weeks and their record against Newcastle United has seen them go unbeaten in the last six meetings. Brighton have been tricky customers on the road with 10 points from their last four visits away from home.
Goals are to be expected in this fixture as the BTTS market has landed in eight of the last 10 matches involving Newcastle United and in seven of the last eight meetings between the two clubs.
Brighton are in good form and with that should have enough quality to overcome a Newcastle United side who are struggling as of late.
Newcastle 1-2 Brighton
