Brighton & Hove Albion play host to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon looking to build on their victory over Manchester United last weekend.

Meanwhile, the Magpies make the long trip to the Amex Stadium having also gotten off to a winning start with success over newly-promoted Nottingham Forest.

Match preview

© Reuters

With key players yet to be replaced, it is fair to say that Brighton fans may have been less than optimistic ahead of a trip to Old Trafford, a ground which they had never left with success under their belt.

However, two goals from Pascal Gross helped the Seagulls to a 2-1 triumph at the Theatre Of Dreams, a deserved three points as they showed greater composure and class than their more illustrious hosts.

That result was produced with no fresh faces in Graham Potter's starting lineup, and the highly-regarded Englishman will feel under little pressure when it comes to spending the £62m which has just been generated from the sale of Marc Cucurella.

The flip side to that argument is that continued shrewd investment from the club's hierarchy could take Brighton into the top 10 on a permanent basis, particularly as long as Potter remains at the helm.

While inconsistency in attack has blighted Brighton in the past, the next few weeks have the potential to be a turning point in the long term for one of the best run clubs in the Premier League.

© Reuters

Newcastle can claim to be slightly higher on the upward trajectory curve given their strong end to the 2021-22 campaign, their return leading to a new long-term contract for Eddie Howe.

That fresh deal was negotiated before the Magpies played host to a Nottingham Forest team who many have tipped to spend much of their first season back in the top flight away from the relegation zone.

However, Newcastle comfortably got the better of the East Midlands outfit, a long-range effort from Fabian Schar being followed by a smart finish from Callum Wilson.

Howe remains in the transfer market for at least one more fresh face with a new central midfielder and attacker likely to be at the top of his shortlist.

Nevertheless, everything appears to be heading in the right direction for Newcastle at this time, and another three points on Saturday will only strengthen the view that they can challenge for the top seven.

Team News

© Reuters

Potter may be happy to name the same Brighton XI from the win at Man United, despite the element of surprise with his creative formation having been lost.

Tariq Lamptey is an alternative in one of the wing-back positions, but Adam Lallana is expected to retain his spot as chief support to Danny Welbeck.

Like their opponents, no further additions have been made to their squad this week, and it would come as a surprise if Howe did not select an unchanged team.

That would see new signing Sven Botman remain among the replacements for the second game in succession.

Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has been ruled out until December after undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury.

Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Veltman, Dunk, Webster; March, Gross, Mac Allister, Caicedo, Trossard; Lallana; Welbeck

Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Targett; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin

We say: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Newcastle United

Having started with maximum points, a certain level of pressure has been taken off the shoulders of these two teams. However, we expect a hugely competitive encounter between sides heading in the right direction, leaving us to predict a share of the spoils playing out on the South Coast.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

Previews by email