Preview: Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Newcastle United
Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United meet in New Jersey on Friday night for another instalment of the Premier League Summer Series.
Arguably the two biggest overachievers of the Premier League last season will meet in their third game of the Series taking place in the United States.
Brighton continue their preparation for a season which will see them play European football for the first time in their history.
A sixth-place finish was achieved thanks to the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi in the early stages of the season after Graham Potter left for Chelsea.
De Zerbi led his side to numerous eye-catching wins over some of the league’s strongest sides, including Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.
They kept up their fine form despite defeat to Chelsea in their Summer Series opener, as the Seagulls were unfortunate to lose 4-3.
Brighton caused many problems to the Chelsea backline throughout the 90, despite playing a third of the game with 10 men after Jan Paul van Hecke’s red card.
Two of their three goals came while playing a man light, as they continued to create more chances than Chelsea.
On their return to the UK next week, Brighton will face Rayo Vallecano the weekend before their league opener against recently-promoted Luton Town.
Like Brighton, Newcastle were also involved in a thrilling first game Stateside, drawing 3-3 with Aston Villa.
Eddie Howe’s side fought well to come back from 2-0 and 3-2 down to draw, but it continues their leaky form in defence this pre-season.
After having the joint-best defensive record in the Premier League last season, Newcastle have conceded two to Gateshead and now three to Villa already.
The upcoming season will really test Newcastle to see whether they can cope with the demands of a Champions League campaign on top of their domestic duties.
The club are back in the Champions League after two decades away and will face sides with European pedigree in the Sela Cup once they return home, in the form of Fiorentina and Villarreal.
Newcastle start their league season by facing Aston Villa again in the Saturday evening slot, and they will hope to forget about the poor form which they suffered at the end of last season, winning just one of their final five games.
Brighton & Hove Albion friendly form:
L
Newcastle United friendly form:
WWD
We say: Brighton & Hove Albion 2-2 Newcastle United
Some of the friendlies in the US have already seen plenty of goals scored, and these two sides have contributed to more than a few, and may do so again in what should be a close encounter.