FA Cup: Brighton Pick Up Steam, Newcastle Need New Scheme

Newcastle United vs Brighton & Hove Albion

Newcastle United are one of the rare teams that are in contention for a double this season. The Magpies have qualified for the EFL Cup final, which will happen in mid-March, and they are through to the FA Cup fifth round.

 If things go their way, Eddie Howe can win his first trophy as Newcastle United manager. However, the Magpies haven’t been at their best lately, and they face another tricky challenge when they host Brighton at St. James Park this Sunday. Newcastle United are fresh from a 2-0 loss against Liverpool last night.

​Brighton are coming off a 2-1 victory against Bournemouth, extending their winning streak to three games, so they’re confident heading into this contest. Fabian Hurzeler’s side is not to be underestimated, as the Seagulls are distant contenders for the cup.

The pregame SBOTOP betting odds predict another fun contest between these two sides. Read more below for the match preview.

 

Talking Points

No Isak, big problem for Newcastle United

Newcastle United just lost to Liverpool in what seems to be the rehearsal of their EFL Cup final, and the absence of Alexander Isak played a role in the result. The Swedish striker was sidelined due to a groin injury, and head coach Eddie Howe felt it was best to sit him out given their hectic schedule. 

Losing Isak was a big blow for the Magpies since he is their top scorer with 19 league goals and five assists, making him one of the frontrunners for the Premier League Golden Boot award. With Isak out, Newcastle United went with Callum Wilson, and the team only had three shots (zero on target).

The Magpies hope that Isak is 100-per cent fit against the Seagulls. Howe said Isak’s groin issue is not serious, but it’ll be his call if he starts this Sunday. If it were up to me, I’d consider bringing Isak off the bench to avoid aggravating his injury since Wilson did fairly well in his first Premier League start this campaign.

Howe could also bring on William Osula for additional firepower, as the 21-year-old is one of the most statistically efficient players in the FA Cup, averaging a goal or assist every 48 minutes (seven goals and three assists in seven appearances for 480 minutes).

 

Mitoma regaining his form at Brighton

It took him a while, but Kaoru Mitoma is back at his best, as he is now the Seagulls’ joint-top scorer with seven league goals and three assists this season. The Japanese winger has found the back of the net in three of his last four appearances across all competitions.

After Brighton’s 7-0 loss against Nottingham Forest, Mitoma played a key role in dispatching Chelsea twice in the FA Cup and the Premier League, scoring twice. He was also on the scoresheet during the team’s 4-0 demolition of Southampton last Saturday at St. Mary’s Stadium. 

Before this, Mitoma was almost sold to Al-Nassr for roughly €65 million during the winter transfer window. However, Brighton rejected the tempting bid, which was the right move.

 

History

Sunday marks the second meeting of Newcastle United and Brighton this season. Brighton won 1-0 against Newcastle United in their first league match this season at St. James Park, courtesy of Danny Welbeck’s 35th-minute goal. These two teams will meet in the English top-flight again on May 3 at the AMEX Stadium.

Newcastle United have won just two of their last 15 matches against Brighton across all competitions (D7, L6). Brighton have won each of their last four FA Cup matches against Newcastle United, though this is their first meeting since a 2-0 win in the 2012-13 third round.

The Magpies have progressed from their last nine FA Cup fifth-round ties since a 1-0 loss to Blackburn in 1992-93. The Seagulls have reached the FA Cup fifth round in three consecutive campaigns for the first time. 

 

Betting Tip

As mentioned, the FA Cup 2025 odds expect a close fight between the Magpies and Seagulls. Because they’re playing at home, Newcastle United have a slight advantage at 2.11, whereas Brighton are at 2.82 odds, and a draw is at 3.19 in the 1X2 market.

Choosing the winner of this contest is tough since these two teams are evenly matched on paper. But, either way, we expect the Magpies and Seagulls to put up enough FA Cup 2025 highlights this weekend for the fans to enjoy, hence our recommended bet. Meanwhile, a Correct Score of 1-0 in favour of Brighton – the result of their last meeting – has a generous 13.00 offer.

   

●●●

CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS

Stay updated with everything sports and betting.

Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.