Newcastle United bogeyman - Brighton well aware of St James’ Park secret weapon
Danny Welbeck scored a brace to put Newcastle United to the sword in October’s reverse fixture.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler is well aware that Danny Welbeck has become Newcastle United’s bogeyman.
Four goals in as many games has made the former Manchester United man a recent thorn in Newcastle’s side. Welbeck bagged a brace to down the Magpies in October’s reverse fixture.
As a side, the Seagulls have proven to be a bugbear for Newcastle since both clubs were promoted in 2017. Eddie Howe’s side have failed to win in their last six games - losing four - against Brighton.
Overall, the Magpies have recorded just two wins in 16 games across all competitions since that famous Championship campaign. Newcastle - sitting 14th in the table - could perhaps not pick a worse opponent as they set out to salvage their season this weekend.
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Fabian Hurzeler on Danny Welbeck factor
When asked if Welbeck’s recent record versus Newcastle could inspire his team selection, Hurzeler said: “(It is) definitely a factor. Like I mentioned, players always have a feeling when they face opponents that they know it’s an opponent they like to play against, or weaknesses they can find against them.
“It is always important that the players have a good feeling going to an opponent, playing against an opponent that they like to play. He has made some good performances there (at St James’ Park) and scored goals. He will always be an option to start.”
England recall?
Welbeck has scored 13 Premier League goals in 2025-26 to fuel talk of a possible England recall. The 35-year-old has not played for the Three Lions since a 1-0 win over Switzerland in 2018.
“That is another question (whether he should go to the World Cup),” Hurzeler added. “First of all, you have a great coach (Thomas Tuchel) in the English national team. I’m sure he will make the right decision.
“From my perspective, what I can say about the player, he’s a great human being with a great personality. He is a great goalscorer and can help every team in the world.
“He’s someone who makes the players around him better. Beside the pitch, he’s someone who recognises dynamics well, who takes care of every age, generation and culture. That’s why a player like him is difficult to find.
“Being together for a long time is really helpful and that’s why I can only give a lot of praise to Danny Welbeck. I’m very grateful and helpful for what he’s doing for this club. I hope he will get the chance.”
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