It’s an all-Premier League affair in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday afternoon as Newcastle host Brighton, and ahead of the action, we’ve got the latest team news and confirmed lineups included in our preview.
Newcastle vs Brighton Preview
In-form Brighton make the long trip up to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday afternoon, where they’ll be looking to extend their winning streak across all competitions to five straight matches.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side, having suffered a shocking 7-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at the start of February, have since won four in succession, most recently playing out an impressive 2-1 win over European hopefuls Bournemouth.
Prior to that, they beat bottom of the table Southampton 4-0 and overcame Chelsea twice, once in the fourth round of the cup and once in the Premier League. Their third round victory came in the form of a 4-0 triumph over Norwich.
Thanks to recent results, the Seagulls are now firmly in the top half of the English top-flight table, occupying eighth place on 43 points, while the Magpies are a point ahead in sixth place, just three points adrift of the top four.
Attentions turn to the FA Cup! 💪
🔜 #NEWBHA pic.twitter.com/IxM74CZvUe
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) February 28, 2025
Eddie Howe’s squad head into this one off the back of a 2-0 defeat to league leaders Liverpool and have now lost three of their last four league matches. They have performed well in cup competitions this term however, as they are already into the Carabao Cup final, and have defeated Bromley and Birmingham in the FA Cup thus far.
In terms of recent meetings between Brighton and Newcastle, the Seagulls boast an advantage. Following October’s 1-0 league victory for the south coast club, they are now unbeaten in three successive matches against the Magpies.
Newcastle Team News
Alexander Isak missed out on the trip to Anfield in midweek with a groin injury, and head coach Howe has revealed that the Swede will face a late fitness test ahead of Brighton’s visit, but emphasised that no risks will be taken.
Sven Botman and Joelinton could also return to the squad after recovering from knee injuries.
Jamaal Lascelles, meanwhile, remains ruled out with a knee injury of his own, likely until May.
Brighton Team News
The visitors have numerous confirmed absentees for the trip up to Tyneside, with Igor Julio (thigh), James Milner (thigh), Ferdi Kadioglu (ankle), Jason Steele (shoulder), Lewis Dunk (rib) and Joel Veltman (foot) all missing out through injury.
Danny Welbeck made his return from injury in midweek, scoring one of the Seagulls’ two goals in the win over Bournemouth, and the former Manchester United and Arsenal man is primed to lead the line once again on Sunday.
Newcastle vs Brighton Confirmed Lineups
Newcastle Confirmed Lineup:
Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Joelinton, Tonali, Miley; Barnes, Isak, Gordon
Brighton Confirmed Lineup:
Verbruggen; Hinshelwood, Lamptey, Van Hecke, Estupinan; Baleba, Webster; Minteh, Rutter, Mitoma; Joao Pedro
Newcastle vs Brighton Prediction
The UK’s best football betting sites have Newcastle as 23/20 favourites to advance to the quarter-finals with a victory in regular time this weekend, while a draw is rated at 13/5 and a Brighton victory is priced at 11/5.
Recent form and recent meetings between the pair undoubtedly favour the visitors, which is why we at SportsCasting are going against the bookmakers and are backing the Seagulls to claim a narrow victory on the road.
Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Brighton
