Saturday night will see Newcastle United take on Brighton & Hove Albion in a class example of a relegation six-pointer.

Since both sides were promoted from the Championship together in 2016, The Magpies have failed to beat The Seagulls, with Brighton winning three of the seven meetings so far, the other four being draws. Graham Potter’s men claimed their biggest win of the campaign in the reverse fixture, romping to a 3-0 triumph at St James’ Park on match day two.

Newcastle have also only managed to score one goal against Albion, that strike from Ayoze Perez coming in a 1-1 draw towards the end of the 2018/19 season at the Amex Stadium.

Saturday’s encounter is huge for both sides and if there is a winner, supporters of the losing side will really be fearing the worst as the Premier League season nears its conclusion.

Brighton & Hove Albion team news

Albion defender Dan Burn is in contention for the clash with Newcastle. The defender did limp off with a hamstring issue during their 2-1 win over South Coast rivals, Southampton, last weekend but he could play a part on Saturday.

Newcastle United team news

It is expected that attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron will play a part at the Amex having recovered sooner than expected from a knee injury picked up in the recent 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

It is still too soon for Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson, however Wilson's recent return to light training gives Toon fans good reason to believe that he could be back in action after the upcoming international break.

The previous meeting

Newcastle went into the reverse fixture with confidence following their 2-0 win over West Ham United on the opening day. However their first home outing seemed something of a mis-match as an early Neal Maupay brace instantly left Steve Bruce's side with a mountain to climb.

Aaron Connolly added a third late on, but there never really looked to be any threat from the Magpies throughout the game.

Tariq Lamptey caused endless havoc down Brighton's right-hand side, terrorising Newcastle's defence but he will miss out of this latest encounter with injury. 

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Ones to watch

For Brighton, Yves Bissouma is a good shout for one to watch for the home side.

The Mali international was sent off late on at St James' Park in the previous meeting for a dangerously high foot on Jamal Lewis, however his performances this season have been impressive.

He looks comfortable on the ball in the middle of the park, and he certainly has an eye for goal with two stunners coming this season against Everton and Blackpool respectively.

Newcastle need to keep an eye on the midfield man as that could be crucial to breaking up Brighton's forward-thinking style of play. 

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Newcastle's recent performances have, quite frankly, been dismal. 

However, one player to keep an eye on in this match will be the returning Almiron who could well be in line for a start.

It seems a must if Steve Bruce is serious about getting any form of positive result as his team have looked flat and devoid of ideas on the front foot in recent matches.

Almiron's drive and determination to attack could be the difference between success and failure for the Magpies. 

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Predicted line-ups

Brighton & Hove Albion: Sanchez, Veltman, White, Dunk, Webster, March, Bissouma, Gross, Lallana, Trossard, Maupay

Newcastle United: Dubravka, Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett, Willock, Hayden, Shelvey, Almiron, Joelinton, Fraser

Where to watch

Sky Sports must be expecting a cracker (optimistically) as this one takes prime time on Saturday evening. Kick off is at 8pm on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.