Chris Sutton believes Newcastle United vs Brighton in the FA Cup could go the distance.
The two sides meet at St James’ Park on Sunday, with a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals up for grabs.
For Newcastle United, it is a chance to continue their quest to end their trophy drought. They are in the Carabao Cup final, while their FA Cup dream is also still alive.
Interestingly, Gary Lineker thinks Newcastle will win both domestic cups.
For that to happen, the Magpies will need to get past a Brighton side that has already beaten them on Tyneside this season. Fabian Hurzeler’s team won 1-0 at St James’ Park in October, with Danny Welbeck netting the winner.
Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle United vs Brighton
But Chris Sutton is expecting the opposite result on Sunday, having told BBC Sport that he believes Newcastle United will advance in the FA Cup.
However, the former Chelsea and Blackburn striker is expecting the game to go to extra time.
“Alexander Isak missed Newcastle’s defeat at Anfield with a groin injury so he has to be a doubt for this tie too, and his absence is a massive blow for Eddie Howe’s side,” he said.
“Brighton have hit a bit of form since losing 7-0 to Nottingham Forest at the start of February, and have won four in a row in the Premier League and FA Cup.
“The Seagulls also won at St James’ Park earlier in the season, when Danny Welbeck got the winner. I remember that one because I got that prediction wrong.
“People are talking about Newcastle being distracted by their upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool but could they actually be in line for a domestic cup double this season?
“I am banking on them keeping that possibility alive here. They obviously could really do with having Isak back but, even if he is not fit, then surely Brighton can’t win there twice this season… can they?”
Sutton’s prediction: Newcastle United 3 Brighton 2 (after extra time)
Newcastle could be without Alexander Isak against Brighton
Alexander Isak was absent for Newcastle’s loss to Liverpool, with the striker suffering from a groin issue.
Chris Sutton has described that as a ‘massive blow’ for the Magpies, but Eddie Howe will not mind if it means that Isak is 100% fit for the Carabao Cup final on March 16th.
Newcastle are looking at the bigger picture when it comes to the 25-year-old, which is wise.
READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots
Having missed the trip to Anfield, Isak could miss the Brighton game too. Newcastle appear likely to err on the side of caution, which is understandable with a player as gifted as Isak.
That could hand Callum Wilson another opportunity. The 33-year-old scored in the FA Cup win over Birmingham City, and features in Geordie Boot Boys‘ predicted Newcastle XI to face Brighton.
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