Newcastle United vs Brighton: Sutton & Merson disagree over result as Magpies star backed to 'make difference'

Alan Shearer’s former Blackburn Rovers strike partner Chris Sutton has backed one key star to make the difference in Newcastle United’s upcoming home clash against Brighton & Hove Albion. The former Celtic and Chelsea striker feels that Eddie Howe and Fabian Hurzeler both have similar attacking philosophies and believes both club’s are fairly well-matched based on their current position in the league table, with Newcastle sitting sixth and Brighton placed in seventh.

However, ultimately Sutton feels that Newcastle striker Alexander Isak will be the player to decide the match and has backed Howe’s side to walk away with all three points if the Swede is fit to play the game. Sutton told BBC Sport: “A few people out there thought Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would end up being the next England manager, but clearly that has not been the case. Howe is doing a great job for Newcastle, though, and what a cracking game this should be. We know the way Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler plays too - like Howe, he really goes for it.

“This is seventh in the table versus sixth, so these teams should be pretty well-matched, but If Alexander Isak is fit enough to feature up front for Newcastle after almost a month out, then he might just make the difference.”

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Brighton

Paul Merson’s predicton

Former Arsenal and Aston Villa star Paul Merson is also expecting an open encounter between the two clubs and argued that Brighton deserve to be higher than the Magpies in the league table based on their recent performances.

He believes that Newcastle will be a force going forward with the attacking prowess they possess but claims that they also have the potential to open up defensively and concede chances.

Speaking to SportsKeeda, Merson explained: “I’m certain that Newcastle will be a force going forward, but I also feel the leave the back door open in the process. This is where Brighton can take advantage and punish their opponents.

“As things stand, I’d probably go Newcastle to finish above Brighton. It’s only just though, there’s not much between these two teams.”

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 Brighton