Brighton and Hove Albion face the length of the country to travel to Newcastle United. Two sides in very contrasting form at the moment, both the Seagulls and the Mapgies have had their fair share between them over the years. 

Looking at the last six games from both sides, it couldn't be much different:

For Brighton, W4 D1 L1. 

For Newcastle, W2 D0 L4.

Question marks over the futures of Eddie Howe, Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali have reigned heavy over the Newcastle faithful. With many feeling like the previous bubble has finally burst. 

They've enjoyed Champions League football and famous wins over PSG, but now it feels like that era is coming to an end. Newcastle's poor form places them fourth from bottom in the last 6 form table, compared to Brighton's 2nd.

Albion have turned fortunes at the right time. From being a very inconsistent side over the course of the season, it feels like they are back in their mentality of beating just about everyone.

A lot of this credit goes to the manager, but equally to the re-signing of Pascal Groß.

Nominated for the Premier League player of the month in April, Groß's return has been more than welcome at Brighton, and his mentality has been instrumental in their upturn. His first words back, being "We have to believe we can win every game", have certainly come true!

Brighton look at each of their remaining games like finals now.

A win against Newcastle will put them within three games of European football again. Including games against Wolves, Leeds and a potentially already-qualified Manchester United. 

Newcastle haven't beaten Brighton since 2023. In fact, since both clubs' promotion to the Premier League in 2017, the Magpies have only managed two wins against the Seagulls. 

Brighton on the other hand, have won eight since 2017, drawing the remaining fixtures. 

Albion tend to enjoy trips to the North East, and also tend to beat Newcastle at home too. Last time out, Brighton won 2-1, courtesy of a brace from Danny Welbeck. 

Welbeck's good form has only continued as the season has progressed, and the former Sunderland man loves a goal against his former club. Since being at Brighton, he has scored an impressive 5 goals in his last 9 games against them. With 11 goals in 20 appearances throughout his career. Brutal. 

The statistics align for Brighton to certainly be named the favourites for this one. Yankuba Minteh will face his former side again, and he scored both home and away last season. Minteh's will to score against most teams is always intense, but seems to take an edge when the opponents are Newcastle. 

Albion are looking well, with no fresh injuries to report. The Seagulls have a largely full squad to choose from, despite the absences of Diego Gomez, James Milner and Solly March. 

Gomez is expected to return before the end of the season.

Prediction: Newcastle 0-2 Brighton. I make Albion strong favourites, and a clean sheet on the road to return with some valuable points on the bank holiday weekend feels right. A big game, and a big result for Hürzeler's rejuvenated men.