AI predicts Brighton v Newcastle United in the Premier League - result and scorers

Like it or loathe it, we live a world where AI - or artificial intelligence - is creeping into every corner of society. Long gone are the days of predictive text or autocorrect being your only daily dalliance with an industry that was formerly resigned to the big screen or fiction. Now, it’s in everything, and can do virtually everything, too - including, it seems, predict Premier League football results.

So, we asked X’s own AI, Grok, to get its crystal ball out and predict what would happen as Newcastle United take on Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League. The clash at the Amex Stadium has two facets - for the hosts need the points to keep themselves in the race for a possible UEFA Conference League spot, and return to Europe, while a win for the Magpies, or at least avoiding defeat, would take them one step closer to getting a top five slot - and a subsequent place back in the Champions League. Here’s what it said.

Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United: the context

Summarising the current situation - and highlighting how it comes to it’s decision is always the Grok way. So here’s what it said about this game.

It says: “Brighton are ninth in the Premier League with around 50 points after 34 games, tied on points with eighth-placed Fulham as they chase a Europa Conference League spot. They’re coming off a dramatic 3-2 win over West Ham, with goals from Yasin Ayari, Kaoru Mitoma, and Carlos Baleba, showing resilience despite defensive frailties. Brighton have scored 55 goals (1.62 per game) but conceded 50, with only two clean sheets in their last 15 matches. At home, they’re unbeaten in six league games (W4, D2), averaging 1.91 goals per game, though their matches often see both teams score (75% of home games over 2.5 goals).

“Newcastle United are third with 62 points after 34 games, having won their last seven matches across all competitions, including a 3-0 win over Ipswich Town. They’ve scored 67 goals (1.97 per game) and conceded 39, with Alexander Isak netting 22 goals—third in the Golden Boot race—and Jacob Murphy providing 10 assists. Their away form is strong, with 30 points from 17 away games, second only to Liverpool (35). However, they’ve never won at the AMEX in the Premier League (D4, L3).

Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United: team news

Fabian Hurzeler has a relatively fit squad. Kaoru Mitoma (9 goals) is a key threat on the wing, while Danny Welbeck (recent match-winner vs. Bournemouth) could start. Georginio Rutter and Carlos Baleba add dynamism in midfield.

For Newcastle United, Anthony Gordon is back after a hip injury, but Lascelles, Hall, and Joelinton are out. Isak and Kieran Trippier are fit, with Isak’s 22 goals a major threat despite failing to score in four games against Brighton (321 minutes, 15 shots).

Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United: head-to-head and stats

Grok says: “Brighton have dominated recent meetings, unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games against Newcastle at the AMEX (D4, W3). Overall, Brighton have won 9 of 21 matches against Newcastle (D7, L5), averaging 1.95 goals per game in these clashes. Brighton’s home games see 83% over 1.5 goals and 75% over 2.5 goals, while Newcastle’s away matches see 91% over 1.5 goals and 58% over 2.5 goals. Both teams scoring is likely, given Brighton’s defensive issues (conceded in 13 of their last 15) and Newcastle’s attacking form (18 goals in their last six games).”

It continues: “Brighton’s recent form is mixed but promising at home. Their 3-2 win over West Ham showcased their attacking potential (16 shots, 9 on target) and ability to fight back, though their defence remains a concern, conceding at least two goals in four of their last five games. Hurzeler’s side thrives on possession (53% in their last game) and uses pacey wingers like Mitoma to exploit full-backs, which could trouble Newcastle’s forward-thinking defenders like Trippier and Livramento.

“Newcastle are in scintillating form, with seven straight wins and a +17 goal difference in that span. Isak’s scoring prowess and Murphy’s creativity make them lethal, especially on the counter. They’ve managed 78% possession in their last game, showing control, but their historical struggles at the AMEX and current defensive injuries (only 10 clean sheets in 34 games) could be exploited by Brighton’s attack. Tindall’s management has kept them disciplined, but Howe’s absence might affect tactical adjustments.”

Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United: prediction

It says: “The Opta supercomputer gives Newcastle a slight edge with a 41.1% win probability—the highest for any away team this weekend—while Brighton have a 34% chance, and a draw is at 24.9%. However, Brighton’s unbeaten home record against Newcastle and their recent scoring form (8 goals in their last 6 games) suggest they’ll be competitive. Newcastle’s winning streak and attacking output (46 goals since December 14, second only to Liverpool’s 51) make them dangerous, but their defensive absences and historical struggles at the AMEX point to a shared outcome.

PREDICTION: Brighton 2 (Mitoma, Welbeck) Newcastle United 2 (Isak, Gordon)