Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton both agree over 'difficult' Newcastle v Brighton result prediction

Newcastle United will return to Premier League action after the international break with a difficult fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

The Magpies and the Seagulls are level on 12 points in the table, with Fabian Hurzeler’s sixth-placed side sitting a place ahead of Eddie Howe’s charges due to goal difference.

Newcastle’s last game was a 0-0 stalemate against Everton, while Brighton’s confidence is high after coming from 2-0 down to beat Everton 3-2 last time out.

Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton, two pundits who preview and predict every Premier League fixture, have now had their say on Newcastle v Brighton.

Both pundits agree over which side they think will emerge triumphant at St James’ Park.

Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton both predict Newcastle win over Brighton

Shearer, writing on Metro, has backed the Magpies to secure a home win against the Seagulls, especially if at least one of Callum Wilson or Alexander Isak are back from injury.

“Brighton always represents a tough game for Newcastle, and this is another difficult one to call,” said Shearer.

“If reports are to be true, that Newcastle have at least one of Callum Wilson or Alexander Isak back, then the chances they create combined with the way Brighton play with a high-line, means I will predict a home win at St James’ Park.

Likewise, Sutton reckons the Magpies will get the better of the Seagulls, predicting a 2-1 home win on 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,” said Sutton.

“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.”

Newcastle v Brighton team news

As per BBC Sport, Wilson has returned to Newcastle training after recovering from back and hamstring injuries.

However, they predict that the veteran striker may not be risked this weekend, though they say Isak is set to feature for the first time in a month.

Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier has been ruled out for several weeks because of a hamstring issue.

As for Brighton, defender Jan Paul van Hecke is now available after missing two games due to a groin injury.

Georginio Rutter and Simon Adingra are expected to feature, while Joao Pedro, Adam Webster, James Milner and Matt O’Riley remain on the sidelines.