Two teams that are expected to be involved in the relegation battle throughout the season will face off with the chance for crucial points this Saturday when Newcastle United host Brighton and Hove Albion. Entering the match, Brighton have a 1-2-2 record and are 16th in the table, taking just five points from five matches. Meanwhile, Newcastle United are currently in the drop zone with a 1-1-3 record, but both Wolverhampton and Watford are expected to surpass them when their schedules get more manageable. The Magpies desperately need a win here.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from St. James’ Park in Newcastle, England at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 21, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
EPL Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Newcastle United +153
Brighton & Hove Albion +199
Draw +212
Over/Under 2 and 2.5
Odds Analysis
Oddly enough, Newcastle United’s lone win this season came against Tottenham Hotspur. In a game where the Magpies were outplayed from the opening whistle, they won 1-0 thanks to an early goal from Joelinton and desperate defending from there. Spurs controlled a whopping 81 percent of the possession, but Newcastle parked the bus and successfully held on for three huge points.
Aside from that victory, it’s been a string of disappointments for Newcastle. They picked up a point in a 1-1 home draw against Watford, but they were outclassed by Arsenal, Norwich City, and Liverpool in their other three league matches. The Magpies have at least scored in five straight matches entering this tilt though.
Brighton stunned Watford 3-0 in Vicarage Road at the start of the season, but the Seagulls have not had good fortune since that point. They were only able to settle for 1-1 draws at home against West Ham and Burnley, and they lost by multiple goals to both Southampton and Manchester City.
Key Injuries
Florian Lejeune continues to miss time due to a major knee injury he picked up at the tail end of last season, and Dwight Gayle is a long-term absence as well for Newcastle United. Matt Ritchie is doubtful to play, but that’s good news since last week the club expected him to miss several weeks, while DeAndre Yedlin, Allan Saint-Maximin, Sean Longstaff, and Andy Carroll are questionable. Fabian Schar is considered probable to play.
Leandro Trossard is expected to miss a month for Brighton with a groin injury, and Jose Izquierdo is a long-term injury. Ezequiel Schelotto is doubtful, and both Leon Balogun and Bernardo are questionable. Martin Montoya is listed as probable.
Player to Watch
The Magpies shelled out a club record £40 million for Joelinton this offseason, and they are beginning to have buyer’s remorse. Joelinton notched 11 goals in 35 matches for 1899 Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga last year, but he has yet to make much of a difference for Newcastle. The forward did net the winner against Spurs, but he has yet to adapt his style to Newcastle’s preferred method of playing on the counter.
Prop Bet – Newcastle United 1, Brighton and Hove Albion 1
Sometimes you just want to call your shot. This feels right considering the state of the two clubs. Brighton would be happy to settle for a point on the road, while Newcastle have yet to show they can score more than a single goal in a game.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Don’t expect many chances for either club in this match. These teams are in the bottom of the table for a reason, and there aren’t many offensive weapons for either side. The draw is the best bet.
Betting Tips
English Premier League Odds: Brighton & Hove Albion 1, Newcastle United 1
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