'A cracking game': Chris Sutton is looking forward to Newcastle v Brighton as he predicts who will win

Brighton and Hove Albion are next up for Newcastle Untied as the Seagulls come to St James' Park for a 3pm Saturday kick-off this weekend.

The games between these two sides are usually good fun to watch however they turn out so naturally the expectations are high amongst the pundits heading into the weekend.

Both Brighton and Newcastle are welcoming back their star strikers for this one as Georginio Rutter has recovered from his knock to take his place in the Brighton squad and Alexander Isak is expected to return for Eddie Howe.

Callum Wilson is likely to be missing for Newcastle again while Joao Pedro will miss out for Brighton.

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Chris Sutton is expecting a 'cracking game'

Both sides are evenly matched which is reflected in the league table as both teams sit next to each other in the table separated only by goal difference.

Chris Sutton is looking forward to the game it seems as he made his score prediction for the BBC.

"A few people out there thought Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would end up being the next England manager, but clearly that has not been the case.

"Howe is doing a great job for Newcastle, though, and what a cracking game this should be. We know the way Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler plays too - like Howe, he really goes for it.

"This is seventh in the table versus sixth, so these teams should be pretty well-matched, but If Alexander Isak is fit enough to feature up front for Newcastle after almost a month out, then he might just make the difference.

"Sutton's prediction: 2-1"

Newcastle shouldn't be dropping points at home

With Merson opting for a 2-2 draw in his prediction we definitely prefer Sutton's guess this time.

At home Newcastle have no excuses and should be winning almost every game, that's what St James' Park is all about, the fortress.

We're looking forward to this one because it's not the chuffing Nations League for one, but it is shaping up to be a good contest.