At a glance
- Crowd could turn quickly
- Early goal seen as key
- Brighton urged to attack fast
Brighton have been urged to attack Newcastle from the first whistle this weekend, with former Albion midfielder Warren Aspinall believing pressure could quickly build inside St James’ Park.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side travel to Newcastle on Saturday following an impressive 3-0 victory against Chelsea at home.
The Seagulls have won four of their last five games. However, they’ll have to keep impressing if they want to play in Europe next season.
Newcastle, on the other hand, stand 14th in the Premier League after losing four of their last five games. Pressure is building at St. James Park, and a former Brighton midfielder believes opening early will be key tomorrow.
Former Brighton Midfielder Sends Newcastle Warning Ahead of St James’ Park Clash
Footballer-turned-pundit Warren Aspinall considers scoring early at St. James Park could be decisive, which might unsettle the home crowd.
The Toon Army are some of the most supportive fans in English football. However, they didn’t react well to a few losses this season.
The Magpies players were booed off the pitch in a match that saw them lose 3-2 to Brentford at home in February.
“This crowd will turn on Newcastle. I’m sure some of these players will go into their shell, and not many of them go into the trenches when the going gets tough, so I’m hoping we get after them, get an early goal, and the crowd will turn on them,” Aspinall told BBC Radio Sussex’s Albion Unlimited podcast.
Wide Players Could Be Key for Brighton
Likewise, Aspinall claims that Brighton’s wide players, such as Kaoru Mitoma and Yankuba Minteh, can help in getting an early advantage.
The Seagulls rely heavily on wide players to create danger. Minteh has 86 progressive dribbles this season and 7 assists across competitions.
Mitoma also remains one of the strongest ball carriers with 3.06 dribbles per 90. The Japanese winger has also made 1.72 key passes per game.
“It’s all about what we do, and I’m sick of saying this, but who’s going to be the X factor for Brighton on Saturday? Who’s going to step up to the plate and keep this run going? That’s what I’m asking, and I think it will be our wide players,” He said.
READ MORE: Brighton’s Transfer Strategy: Why Their Recruitment System Has Been So Impressive
Newcastle Dealing with Defensive Concerns
Brighton could also benefit from Newcastle’s defensive injury concerns heading into Saturday’s clash at St. James Park.
Tino Livramento has picked up a thigh injury, while Fabian Schar is also unlikely to return in time for the match.
However, Eddie Howe’s side might get a boost as Anthony Gordon is pushing for a return on Saturday. The English winger has scored three goals in the Magpies’ last five Premier League games.
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter Matthew Raisbeck said:
“Anthony Gordon’s missed two matches with a minor hip injury, but they’re hoping to get him training this week.”
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