Alan Shearer has backed Newcastle United to beat Brighton at St James' Park this weekend.

Alan Shearer has admitted he supports Eddie Howe while conceding that Newcastle United’s form drastically needs to improve.

The Toon icon caused controversy last week by predicting Howe would not be in the dugout at the start of next season. Former Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce hit out at Shearer - claiming he undermined the manager to gain popularity with the fans.

Supporters remain divided on whether Howe is the right man to take the Magpies forward. Five consecutive defeats across all competitions has seen Newcastle’s season plummet, with a tricky test against Brighton this weekend.

Alan Shearer backs Newcastle United

Newcastle legend Shearer has backed a home win at St James’ Park, although he appears far from convinced. The 55-year-old also gave a show of support to Howe while discussing the team’s dismal form.

“Somehow Newcastle need to stop the rot, I mean, I dread to think of the reaction if they get beaten again this weekend,” Shearer said. “They have to somehow do something, find a way to get three points this weekend. By all accounts, the Saudis are in Newcastle this week, so whether they're going to be at the game or not, I don't know. I'm going to the game myself.

“I think the vast majority of Newcastle fans are still supporting Eddie and I agree with that but you have to get a win from somewhere. You can't keep on doing what they're doing. With Bruno back and after that performance last weekend, I think they'll have enough to beat Brighton this weekend.

“Brighton's potential situation is amazing. With the form they're in, full of belief, and they've got some really talented players. They've found their form over the last few weeks and they'll be really tough opposition but, coming up to Newcastle, it should be difficult. I have no confidence in what I'm seeing, by the way. I think my prediction is more from the heart than it is from the head.”

What Alan Shearer said about Eddie Howe

“The players were terrible,” Shearer told The Rest Is Football podcast after the defeat to Bournemouth. “As tough as it is for Eddie, I don't know what's going to happen with him. I listened to his interview afterwards, I looked at him and I just thought ‘Is he going to want to go again? Is he going to get a chance to go again?’

“As I sit here, I don't see Eddie in charge of Newcastle next season, unfortunately. I look at his interview after the game and I'm not sure the fight is there. I think it's a very different club now to the one that he would want to go for. He doesn't look in a good position.”

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