Newcastle United news: Magpies tipped for Premier League relegation, Gareth Southgate name drops Karl Darlow
Newcastle United’s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion is just around the corner, with nerves building on Tyneside ahead of Saturday’s crunch Premier League clash.
By the time Steve Bruce’s men visit the Amex Stadium, the Magpies could be in the bottom three – if Fulham beat Leeds United on Friday night.
If that is to be the case, then it really is a must-win for Newcastle.
That said, you could argue it’s a must-win, whatever happens at Craven Cottage given Brighton are just one point above United in the league table.
Here are the latest headlines surrounding Newcastle today:
Former Brighton man tips Newcastle for the drop
Former Brighton midfielder Dean Hammond believes Newcastle will be relegated from the Premier League this season.
Hammond, who played 194 times for the Seagulls across two spells, is confident his old club will survive – with Fulham also retaining their top-flight status.
He told Sussex Live: "I personally think they (Brighton) will be okay. I think Fulham will get out of it and Newcastle will drop into the bottom three.
"I have really enjoyed watching Brighton play. In terms of performances, they have been really entertaining.
"They play a really good brand of football, they are exciting to watch, they try to win games. I like how every player is very comfortable on the ball.
"But obviously the results have been difficult in periods of the season. They have been controlling games and then lost it from nowhere or conceded a late goal.
"I think it has been difficult to take for fans but I like what Graham Potter is doing at the club.”
Adam Lallana: Newcastle is NOT a ‘must-win’
While the feeling on Tyneside is that it is a must-win for Newcastle, Brighton midfielder Adam Lallana is talking the significance of the fixture down.
"We're trying not to build it up because there's still nine games left after this weekend, but it is obviously a big one," the 32-year-old told Sky Sports.
"I feel like we're not playing with that pressure that it is a must-win. When you are playing with that pressure it is difficult to perform to your maximum."
Why Karl Darlow missed out on England call-up
Bruce’s decision to drop Karl Darlow for Martin Dubravka may have cost the former Nottingham Forest man his first senior England call-up.
Nick Pope, Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone were all selected in Jordan Pickford's absence – and the West Brom goalkeeper's inclusion raised questions as to why Darlow was overlooked.
England boss Gareth Southgate explained how Darlow just missed out on the final cut following Dubravka’s return to the side.
The former Middlesbrough defender said: "Karl Darlow has had a very good season for Newcastle. He's probably found himself out of the team at just the wrong time in many regards really.
"But Sam Johnstone, in a team that has had a difficult season, has kept a very good level of performance. He's comfortable in possession as well as keeping the ball out of his net."