Newcastle v Brighton: Howe’s fast-improving team to continue climb away from drop

“Joe Willock has scored in Newcastle’s last two games and is a major goal threat in his current vein of form.”

Newcastle’s fears eased after strong run

Newcastle United appeared to be in dire trouble at the start of this year but a revival has eased their fears and Eddie Howe’s side can continue their upturn with a positive result against Brighton. The Magpies started their transition to big spenders, under the new Saudi-led ownership, in January and their enhanced squad has paid off on the pitch over the last two months.

Their resurgence started with a victory at Leeds and Newcastle have won four of their last five Premier League games to climb from inside the bottom three up to 14th position.

New signing Kieran Trippier, who is now injured, scored in home wins over Everton and Aston Villa, with Newcastle coasting to a 2-0 victory at struggling Brentford last weekend.

Achieving some of these results without the injured Trippier, Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin is impressive and Newcastle’s squad depth can carry them towards mid-table with their relegation fears significantly easing. From odds-on at the peak of their poor run the Magpies are now 10.09/1 to go down.

Brighton needing lift after dip in form

Brighton have impressed for much of this season but their fast start is threatening to be undermined by a recent downturn. Currently tenth, Brighton will be hopeful of finishing in the top half of the table but their form has dipped significantly in the last few weeks.

A run of three successive defeats has dampened enthusiasm among Seagulls fans with Graham Potter’s team struggling in both boxes. A 3-0 home defeat against relegation-threatened Burnley was a coupon crusher and Brighton also disappointed in last week’s 2-0 loss against Aston Villa on the south coast. Brighton have also gone three matches without finding the net.

Newcastle are narrow 2.789/5 favourites for this weekend’s game and current form backs this up.

The Magpies have earned 13 points from their last five games and have not lost in the league since Manchester City defeated them in December.

With confidence flowing through the team, Newcastle are an appealing betting proposition.

Brighton are a slightly bigger price at 2.915/8 but there are reasons to swerve the visitors. Potter’s side have been well short of their best lately and a lack of goals has to be a concern. One win from their last nine games, across all competitions, is a poor return and suggests this is not the time to back them.

The draw is available at 3.3512/5 and must always be strongly considered in any game involving Brighton. The draw specialists have been held in a joint league-high of 12 matches this season, although none have been in their last four games. Preference is for Newcastle to continue their recent upturn but it is worth backing them in the draw no bet market at 17/20 bearing in mind Brighton’s record of stalemates.

Newcastle’s upturn has been aided by the form of Joe Willock and the livewire midfielder can inspire them to another victory. Willock has scored in Newcastle’s last two games and is a major goal threat in his current vein of form.

Willock is no stranger to bursts of scoring and this looks a good time to side with the attacking midfielder. During his loan spell at Newcastle last season, Willock ended the campaign by netting in his final seven league appearances. Since his top-flight debut for the Magpies in February 2021, he has scored more goals for the club than any other player, netting 10 times. Willock stands out at 4/1 to add to his tally against Brighton at St James’ Park.

Opta Stat

Newcastle are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League games with only Manchester United currently on a longer run than the Magpies. It is Newcastle’s longest run without defeat in the top-flight since a run of 14 between May and November 2011.

Follow Simon’s bets on Twitter @watfordtipster