The race for Europe heats up tonight as Newcastle United take on Brighton and Hove Albion at St James’ Park.
Both sides are having overachieving seasons as the Magpies sit 3rd and the Seagulls sit 6th in their hunt for European football.
A win tonight would all but guarantee Newcastle’s place in next season’s UEFA Champions League whereas a win for Brighton would bring them right back into contention for a place in Europe’s biggest competition.
Newcastle will be without Emil Krafth (Cruciate Ligament Rupture), Jamaal Lascelles (Calf), Matt Ritchie (Knee), Ryan Fraser (Lack of Fitness) and Sean Longstaff (Ligament) through injury and Jacob Murphy is a doubt for tonight’s game, Howe has confirmed.
Brighton will be without Adam Lallana (Hamstring), Adam Webster (Muscle), Jakub Moder (Cruciate Ligament), Jeremy Sarmiento (Foot), Joel Veltman (Muscle), Robert Sanchez (Personal), Solly March (Hamstring) and Tariq Lamptey (Knee) with Julio Enciso doubtful with a minor knock.
If Newcastle qualify for the Champions League it will be their first time in the competition for 2003/04 where they were eliminated in the Third Qualifying Round to Partizan Belgrade on penalties after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.
If Brighton qualify for any European competition, it will be the clubs first time in Europe in the clubs 122-year history and they look to be fully on course to meet that goal.
Will it be the Magpies or the Seagulls who fly into the UEFA Champions League spots?
Originally Written: 18th May 2023
Articles by Horn 
Leave a comment