Match Preview: Brighton aim for more FA Cup heroics at Newcastle

March 2, 2025March 2, 2025 Andrew James 0 Comments

The FA Cup is back and after a fabulous display to eliminate Chelsea in the fourth round just a few weeks ago, Brighton have been handed another tough draw away at Newcastle United in round five.

Eddie Howe’s side are flying right now. They currently sit sixth in the table and on course for a return to the Champions League.

The Toon have also booked their place in the League Cup final after dismantling Arsenal 4-0 over two legs. They will meet Liverpool at Wembley in two weeks, hoping to win a first major piece of silverware in 70 years.

A place in the quarter finals of the world’s oldest cup competition would add another impressive achievement to Newcastle’s season. Fingers crossed the Albion can continue their impressive FA Cup record against the Toon and stop them.

Albion win three on the bounce

Brighton welcomed Bournemouth to the Amex on Tuesday night. A huge three points were on offer with the victor being able to breath a little easier in the hunt for European football.

It was the Albion who ended on top, coming out narrow 2-1 winners. And I really do mean narrow. It was an incredibly tight match and truth be told, the Seagulls were very lucky to escape with the win.

Things were fairly even in the first half with possession and chances both being split almost 50/50. The only thing separating the sides going into the break being a Joao Pedro penalty.

The second half was heavily in favour of the visitors. Bournemouth came out a different side and dominated, controlling proceedings and putting plenty of pressure on the Albion’s defence.

Dutchman Justin Klivert pulled things level after smashing in a wonderful effort from 25 yards, hitting the top right hand corner and leaving Bart Verbruggen with no chance.

After the equaliser, it looked as if it was only a matter of time before the Cherries pulled ahead. But in the 75th minute, Danny Welbeck put Brighton into the lead.

A wonderful through ball from Georgino Rutter played in Dat Guy. Welbeck fired a low driven shot to the goalkeeper’s right.

It looked for all the world to be heading wide but lady lucky was on our side. It kissed the post and crossed the line as the Amex Stadium erupted.

With only 15 minutes left to play, Bournemouth pushed and pushed in their quest to snatch a point. Had it not been for the combination centre back pair Jan Paul van Hecke and Adam Webster having superb games at the back and some excellent saves from Verbruggen, they almost certainly would have found a leveller.

Newcastle fall against champions elect Liverpool

Newcastle have enjoyed a day less rest than Brighton. They were in action on Wednesday night when headed to Anfield to take on runaway leaders and champions elect Liverpool.

The Toon were coming off the back of a highly entertaining 4-3 win against Nottingham Forest which very much kept them in touch with securing Champions League football for next season.

But their trip to Merseyside ended a little differently. The Reds tightened the one hand they already have on the title with a 2-0 win.

It may look narrow on paper but in truth it was total domination by Arne Slot’s side. Arguably the world’s best player right now, Mohammed Salah, opened the scoring. The second came from Brighton favourite Alexis Mac Allister.

Liverpool now lead the Premier League by an incredible 13 points with most sides having 11 games to play having lost just once all season. Surely it will now be impossible for anyone to catch them?

There were still some positives from Newcastle. Callum Wilson looked sharp after his long injury layoff and had the ball in the back of the newt, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

Newcastle United v Brighton head-to-head

Brighton and Newcastle have met 35 times. The Seagulls have claimed victory on 14 occasions with the Toon winning 11. The remaining 10 ended in stalemates.

In the FA Cup, the Albion have an excellent record against Newcastle. The sides have been drawn together on five occasions with the Albion progressing through on four. The only time the Toon have eliminated Brighton from the FA Cup was a 3-0 Newcastle win at St James’ Park in 1930.

Brighton can also take confidence from their most recent visit to Tyneside on Saturday 19th October. It finished 1-0 to the Albion thanks to a memorable, bus parking performance featuring a man-of-the-match performance from Verbruggen.

Fingers crossed for similar this weekend…

Newcastle United v Brighton team news

There is no new injury news to report for Brighton, making a nice change. But here is a refresher of what the state of play looks like for the Seagulls.

Your weekly reminder that Brazilian centre back Igor Julio and Turkish international Ferdi Kadioglu have both been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Back up goalkeeper Jason Steele is also another long term absentee. Carl Rushworth is cup tied and so cannot sit on the bench. Substitute duties therefore go to Tom McGill.

Joel Veltman missed the game against Bournemouth but could be an option for the weekend. Captain Lewis Dunk is expected to be out a little longer, according to Fabian Hurzeler.

Lastly, James Milner continues to regain his fitness in training with a view to returning in the next few weeks. The former Newcastle midfielder has spent six months out injured with a minor hamstring problem.

Howe has a fairly healthy selection of players available to him, although there is one major question mark over the Toon’s best player so far this season.

Swedish forward Alexander Isak has been a revelation since his arrival on Tyneside. Some have labelled him the best striker in the world for his performances during 2024-25.

Isak missed the Liverpool clash with a groin injury. As is stands, he may not recover in time for the visit of Brighton. And even if he does, will Howe risk him two weeks away from the League Cup final? No Isak would be a huge blow for Newcastle but an enormous boost for Brighton.

Brazilian midfielder Joelinton is out with a knee injury and is not expected back until at least mid March. Lastly, Dutch defender Sven Botman remains a doubt with a knee injury suffered in mid-January.

His absence has certainly been noticeable. The Toon have conceded 12 goals in their five subsequent Premier League games without Botman. Potentially more good news for the Albion.

Newcastle United players to watch out for

Isak would most definitely have featured in this section but with him potentially missing out, I have decided to focus on two other Newcastle players. That both could still cause Brighton so many problems is testament to the strong squad Howe has on Tyneside.

Antony Gordon

Ex-Everton man Gordon has been exceptional for the Toon this season. Eight goals and six assists tell a story. But it is not just his numbers that make him dangerous.

Gordon is instrumental in the way Newcastle play and how they build attacks. He is fast, skilful and one of the best one-versus-one wingers in the Premier League, alongside our very own Karou Mitoma.

With nine appearances for England already to his name, he has an incredibly bright future ahead of him. So bright in fact that Gordon has been tipped to replace Salah at Liverpool this summer should the Egyptian forward depart Anfield.

Jacob Murphy

Murphy is a less glamorous name than Gordon getting nowhere near the plaudits. Yet he has been one of the most consistent Newcastle players this season, ageing like a fine wine.

With the departures of Alan Saint-Maximin in the summer of 2023 and Miguel Almiron in January, 30-year-old winger Murphy has received plenty of playing time.

He has responded with eight assists and with the Toon having 10 Premier League games plus the League Cup final left to play, he could easily hit double figures.

With Wilson likely to lead the line if Isak is absent, Murphy and Gordon will be key to unlocking the Brighton defence.

Final thoughts

In my opinion, Newcastle is the toughest away day in the Premier League alongside Aston Villa. The home fans offer an incredibly loud and intimidating atmosphere.

However, Brighton have shown in the past they are not afraid of St James’ Park. Four wins in a row has confidence pumping through Albion veins and that 1-0 victory on Tyneside four-and-a-half months ago gives them a possible psychological edge.

As I have already alluded to a couple of times, the potential loss of Isak to Newcastle is massive. It will help the Albion in their quest to frustrate the hosts and quieten down the crowd.

With no replays meaning the outcome must be decided on the day, I expect it to be an open game. Newcastle have shipped plenty in recent weeks, so I can certainly see goals.