Newcastle United backed to end eight-year curse as Eddie Howe manager of the year award teased
Newcastle United travel to Brighton aiming to earn their first victory at the Amex since 2017.
The experts believe Newcastle United can finally end their Brighton hoodoo this weekend. Not since 2017 have the Magpies tasted victory at the Amex Stadium when Mo Diame’s fluke and Ayoze Perez snatched a 2-1 win.
Rafa Benitez was in the hot seat that day as Newcastle took a huge step towards Premier League promotion. Since then, it has been tough going for United on the south coast, with Brighton regarded as their No.1 bogey team.
The Seagulls have already beaten Newcastle twice at St James’ Park this season despite enduring a roller-coaster campaign. Victory would be a huge boost for a Magpies side closing in on Champions League qualification.
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While the history books are against Newcastle, the pundits sit firmly behind them. One of them even flirted the idea of Eddie Howe possibly being named as Premier League manager of the season.
Paul Merson
“Brighton had a good result last weekend when they secured a late win but that was against West Ham,” he wrote in his SportsKeeda column. “I think Newcastle win this one. It’s not the Brighton we’ve seen over the years and I don’t expect them to trouble Newcastle.
“I don’t believe Eddie Howe deserves to win the manager of the year award. I would pick Arne Slot. Winning the league with four games to go in his debut season is an incredible achievement. Howe and Nuno Espirito Santo have done quite well, but I’d have to go with Slot.”
Prediction: Brighton 1-3 Newcastle United
Chris Sutton
“Brighton got back to winning ways last weekend thanks to Carlos Baleba's brilliant late strike against West Ham,” he told BBC Sport. “The Seagulls beat Newcastle at St James' Park earlier in the season too but that was before Eddie Howe's side hit their stride and it is a big ask for Brighton to repeat that result.
“Newcastle were just relentless in their win over Ipswich and another three points here would be massive in their bid for a top-five finish - I don't think they will get them, but we will see a few goals.”
Prediction: Brighton 0-2 Newcastle
Mark Lawrenson
“Newcastle have amazing momentum which is something you certainly can’t say about Brighton who’ve lost three of their last five,” he told Paddy Power. “I just can’t see Newcastle not winning this game unless someone does something stupid and gets sent off.”
Prediction: Brighton 0-2 Newcastle