Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler shares what he has heard about Newcastle fans ahead of Saturday’s game

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Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is preparing for his first ever visit to Newcastle on Saturday.

His side face Newcastle United in the Premier League at St James’ Park, in what will be Hurzeler’s first time in the North East.

It has been a bright start to Hurzeler’s Premier League career, after being appointed as Brighton manager over the summer. The 31-year-old has guided the Seagulls to sixth in the table, one place above Newcastle.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
5	Aston VillaAston Villa	7	4	2	1	12	9	3	14
6	BrightonBrighton	7	3	3	1	13	10	3	12
7	NewcastleNewcastle	7	3	3	1	8	7	1	12
8	FulhamFulham	7	3	2	2	10	8	2	11

Eddie Howe‘s side sit below Brighton on goal difference, but will have the advantage on Saturday of being at home.

That could help Newcastle, as they have only lost once at St James’ Park so far in 2024. That was back in January against Manchester City.

The Newcastle fans always give the players a boost, creating an excellent atmosphere – and one that can sometimes be intimidating for the opposition.

Fabian Hurzeler knows what to expect from the Newcastle United crowd

Hurzeler is preparing to sample the St James’ Park crowd for the first time in his career, and has admitted in his press conference that he has been told exactly what to expect.

Ahead of Brighton’s game against Newcastle, the young German coach was asked about Eddie Howe and playing at St James’ Park.

“He’s [Howe] a great coach,” he said.

“He’s been a Premier League coach for a long time, quite successful. That’s why I have a big respect for him and I am looking forward to competing with him.

“I know it will be tough there because Newcastle is a team which plays with intensity. The stadium, what I have heard, is one of the best atmospheres in the Premier League.”

Hurzeler added: “I hear all the time that everyone says it is one of the best atmospheres in the Premier League. After the Amex, I think the second best. It will be a big challenge. It will be intense and emotional.”

Newcastle need an atmosphere like the one against Brighton in May 2023

While Hurzeler is yet to experience it for himself, he has been told what the Newcastle United crowd can be like. They can help give the Newcastle players an extra ounce of intensity, roaring on tackles as if they were goals.

A great example of the Newcastle atmosphere being electric came against Brighton a couple of seasons ago, as Eddie Howe’s side took a giant step towards Champions League qualification.

The Magpies beat Brighton 4-1 at St James’ Park in May 2023, with a deafening Toon Army roaring Howe’s men towards victory. That night was famous for Bruno Guimaraes‘ goal, which resulted in the Brazilian doing nine celebrations.

It would be great to see Bruno celebrating again on Saturday, as he is yet to score this season. The Newcastle United captain is expected to start, despite playing for Brazil in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Bruno was praised for his Brazil performance against Peru, and will hopefully bring that form back to St James’ Park on Saturday when Brighton are in town.