With just three games left to play, there is a huge amount of anxiety in the air ahead of Newcastle United vs Brighton And Hove Albion.
Newcastle need six points to qualify for the Champions League, and they could achieve that by Monday night.
Eddie Howe‘s side have back-to-back home games on the horizon, and they represent a golden chance to confirm our place in the top four.
However, Brighton are the first obstacle that stands in our way. They will arrive at St James’ Park full of confidence after beating Arsenal 3-0 on Sunday afternoon.
The Seagulls were incredible at the Emirates Stadium, increasing the apprehension among Toon fans ahead of Thursday night’s encounter. Roberto De Zerbi has got a fantastic team that plays glorious football, and it is a team that could cause us serious problems.
If we drop points against Brighton, we could be outside of the top four by the time we kickoff against Leicester City on Monday night if results go against us.
However, former Toon goalkeeper Shay Given has reminded fans why we should not be terrified by the prospect of facing Brighton.
Shay Given hopes we see Brighton play like they did against Everton
Given appeared on TalkSPORT on Wednesday, and was asked about the Magpies’ upcoming game against Brighton.
“Yeah it’s going to be really huge tomorrow,” he said.
“Brighton were brilliant against Arsenal at the weekend. Let’s hope it’s the Everton Brighton that turns up from the week before.
“Newcastle have obviously got Brighton at home tomorrow night then Leicester at home on Monday. It’s in their own hands. If they can get that, they get Champions League. That’s all they can ask for with three games to go.
“You wouldn’t want it to go down to Chelsea, last game of the season away from home and think we have to win this to qualify because they’ve had such a brilliant season. You just hope they can cap it off with the top four.”
Newcastle must have belief
When Given says he hopes we see the ‘Everton Brighton’, he is referring to their recent 5-1 defeat against the Toffees. Brighton were torn apart at home to a relegation threatened side, which just shows that are not unbeatable.
An Everton team that has struggled for goals all season put Brighton to the sword less than a fortnight ago, and a similar performance from De Zerbi’s side would give Newcastle a real chance of victory.
They are an excellent team, but so are we. We must back the lads to get a result. The anxiety is only natural given the circumstances, but as Howe says ‘pressure is a privilege’.
Newcastle are going to be under pressure on Thursday, but have the talent to put themselves on the brink of Champions League qualification.
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