Football Tips Today Acca for Saturday 28/10/2017
Brighton v Newcastle: Pre-Match Analysis
In this top of The Championship clash, league leaders Brighton host 2nd place Newcastle live on Sky. The Magpies are a point behind Brighton and are 5 clear of 3rd place Huddersfield. After a minor run of inconsistent results, Brighton have returned to form winning both of their last 2 matches to nil. Brighton comfortably disposed off play-off hopefuls Reading 3-0 on Saturday evening at The Amex and have won 7 of their last 8 at home. Chris Hughton’s side have built on last seasons’ misery, playing the same system but adding the likes of Shane Duffy and Glenn Murray to their strong core. The Seagulls have the best defensive record in The Championship. Brighton will defend deep and tight and then look to get in behind Newcastle, with Anthony Knockaert producing quality from the right-hand side. Brighton are also a danger from set-pieces with Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy who have 2 goals each this season. Brighton have lost just once at home in the league this season and are unbeaten in 25 of their last 27 league matches.
Newcastle were frustrated last weekend in their draw at home to Bristol City. Rafa Benitez’s team are unbeaten in their last 8 league games although they have drawn 3 of their last 6. Top Goalscorer Dwight Gayle is in contention after a spell on the sidelines and will be a big boost for The Magpies if he starts. Ciaran Clark has established himself at the heart of the Newcastle defence alongside captain Jamal Lascelles. Jack Colback and Jonjo Shelvey will sit at the base of the midfield with Mo Diame functioning ahead of them. Newcastle have kept just 1 clean sheet in their last 5 away league matches.
Under 2.5 goals is priced at 8/13 and this probably reflects its chances in a game between the sides with the two best defensive records in the league. Newcastle have a calibre of player exceeding most sides in this league however in terms a team as a whole, Brighton are a tough unit whom are built on a solid defensive foundation. Brighton are 7/5 to end victorious here and that is a price I like the look of. Newcastle have been unconvincing of late, starting poorly against Bristol City last weekend and in their last away trip at Norwich. Benitez’s side are heavily reliant on individual quality whereas Brighton are extremely impressive as a unit and thus over the course of 90 minutes it is difficult to see them getting beat. Interestingly, Brighton had less possession than their opponent’s at home to both Sheffield Wednesday and Reading (promotion pushing sides), this reflects the approach Hughton’s side will take this evening and so expect Newcastle to have the lion share of possession with Brighton defending their penalty area. Brighton have conceded 5 or more corners in each of their last 6 home games while Newcastle have had 5 or more corners in 5 of their last 6 away matches. I fancy Newcastle to be chasing a goal and with the likelihood of them dominating possession, I think Newcastle to have 5 or corners at 4/5 with Sky Bet is an extremely appealing price.
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