BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United – On the money? | OneFootball

Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Sunday afternoon at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players looking to make it fourteen wins in eighteen matches.

It is now Brighton who are up next for Newcastle United.

With a place in the last eight of the FA Cup up for grabs.

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 27 February 2025:

“Alexander Isak missed Newcastle’s defeat at Anfield with a groin injury so he has to be a doubt for this tie too, and his absence is a massive blow for Eddie Howe’s side.

“Brighton have hit a bit of form since losing 7-0 to Nottingham Forest at the start of February, and have won four in a row in the Premier League and FA Cup.

“The Seagulls also won at St James’ Park earlier in the season, when Danny Welbeck got the winner. I remember that one because I got that prediction wrong.

“People are talking about Newcastle being distracted by their upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool [on 16 March] but could they actually be in line for a domestic cup double this season?

“I am banking on them keeping that possibility alive here. They obviously could really do with having Isak back but, even if he is not fit, then surely Brighton can’t win there twice this season… can they?

“Prediction: Newcastle 3 Brighton 2 after extra time.”

So is the BBC Sport pundit on the money here?

I always say that history was rewritten after that Brighton win at St James’ Park.

Newcastle United were by far the better team for the first hour, simply a case that a host of very good chances not taken, with both Isak and Gordon having a rare combined off day. Brighton did take their goal really well, however, it was pretty much their only attack in the opening half. A real smash and grab.

United continued to create and waste chances after the break and then the final stages saw Newcastle fade, the more subs we made the less of a threat NUFC looked. Whilst Brighton ended up having a couple of late chances that could have extended their lead.

Good luck to Brighton as they defended well overall and took that breakaway goal well. However, Newcastle actually played will for at least an hour, they just couldn’t finish.

Interesting to look at Brighton’s recent results, which sum up how up and down so many Premier League teams have been this season.

The Seagulls had a feeble 1-0 home loss to Everton and then a 7-0 goal thrashing at Forest. Only to then beat Chelsea twice in a row at home in FA Cup and Premier League, followed by further wins against Southampton and Bournemouth most recently.

The visitors are dangerous opponents BUT if Newcastle United play as well as they did for that first hour back in October AND this time take some of the numerous chances created, then Eddie Howe’s side should win.

Of course, much could depend on the starting elevens of these two teams when announced early on Sunday afternoon…