Football News: Premier League Match Preview Sunday 24th September 2017
Image from: abc.net.au
Sunday 24th September 2017
Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle United 4pm kick off
Saltor (back injury) slight doubt
Sidwell (back injury no return date yet) out
Brown (hamstring injury) late fitness test
Kayal (broken leg expected return mid-October) out
Baldock (calf injury expected return mid-October) out
The Seagulls need to be careful, they were on the verge of getting a run together before Bournemouth stopped them last weekend. It could easily see their confidence collapse if they are unable to get a run of results early in the season. A good result today, in a game that is on paper one they would fancy their chances in, would ensure they still have faith in their hopes. Confidence is a fragile thing, Hughton will need to protect it if Brighton are to have any hopes of survival.
Most important player: Pascal Gross. He stood out a mile as their best player last weekend, with an excellent delivery and the ability to score himself. Keeping him fit and on form is key to Brighton's hopes this season.
Darlow (ankle injury) slight doubt
Dummett (hamstring injury no return date yet) out
Haidara (knee injury no return date yet) out
Mitrovic (suspended) out
Flying high and coming into this game on the back of 3 wins in a row, the Toon Army will be raising their expectations by the game. Facing a team that came up from the Championship with them last season, Rafa Benitez will fancy his chances of making it 4 in a row. Following the transfer window shambles, it was not expected to go this well. Rafa's main worry right now is that he might not be given anything to spend in January to build on the early success.
Most important player: Matt Ritchie. He has had to play a number of different roles already this season, but, so far at least, he has not let the manager down no matter where he has been asked to play. His left footed delivery is a very important part of Newcastle's armoury.
Defining Battle: this could be an interesting tactical battle as a game Hughton may feel his team has a chance to win. Unlike his normal tactics of sitting deep and defending, looking to hold on to a clean sheet, he might actually let them off the leash a bit for this match. The question is whether Benitez will look to attack as well, or drop off and hit on the counter? Either way the main battle will be in wide areas as both teams have players who thrive off getting on the end of crosses. Whoever can stop the supply should win it.
Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 1-2
Ed003 - 0-0
Ed004 - 2-1
Ed007 - 0-2
Ed018 - 2-2
Ed025 - 1-1
Ed033 - 1-2
Editor's Predictions Table
1. Ed007 - 15 points
2. Ed002 - 14 points
3. Ed018 - 13 points
4. Ed003 - 10 points
5. Ed025 - 9 points
6= Ed004 - 6 points
6= Ed033 - 6 points
*1 point is awarded for the correct result, 3 points for the correct score.
**updated 22nd September 2017
Written by Tris Burke September 24 2017 04:48:26
