Newcastle vs. Brighton — Eddie Howe: Pre-Match Press Conference

Newcastle United will host Brighton & Hove Albion at St. James’ Park on Saturday, May 11, in what will be the final home game for the Magpies in the Premier League this season.

Newcastle will try to keep in the fight to clinch a top-5 finish that earns the club straight qualification into next year’s Europa League, having won four of their last five EPL games.

Brighton, on the other hand, has struggled on the road but the Seagulls managed to end a six-game winless streak with a narrow 1-0 victory against Aston Villa the last time we watched them, thanks to a late goal by Joao Pedro. This win keeps their faint European hopes alive, though they remain seven points behind the qualifying spots with just three games to go and nine points in play.

Despite Brighton’s recent struggles away from home, they have a rather favorable record against Newcastle, having lost only two of their last 13 meetings.

Newcastle’s hopes for a top-5 finish depend on them and the results earned by Tottenham and Man Utd in the final games of the season but the Magpies must win out their remaining three contests if they want to have a solid chance at finishing up there.

As things stand entering Saturday’s slate of games, the Spurs are sitting in 5th with 60 points, followed by NUFC with 56, Chelsea with 54, and Man Utd tied with Chelsea but down in 8th place due to a minus-3 goal difference.

Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk

On playing at St. James’ Park one final time this season...

“We have loved playing at home this season. I have been really pleased with how we have performed at home.

“We have a good feel, a good energy and we’ve been very aggressive in our play. We are thankful for the support we have received from the fans - the crowd have embraced our style. It’s been a good partnership between the crowd and the players.”

On Alexander Isak, who has been nominated for the Premier League’s Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season awards...

“Alex has scored some great goals for us, especially in the second half of the season. He is fully deserving of that recognition.

“I have seen him flourish this season, he has enjoyed the environment he has played in. I want to push Alex to great things.”

On the fitness of Kieran Trippier, who has been sidelined through injury since March...

“Kieran is getting closer, he has trained this week. It was the first time with the group.

“He trained well, it has been a good week for him. I will make a decision today on whether he will be involved tomorrow.”

On Joelinton and Miguel Almirón, who both returned to action in last weekend’s 4-1 win at Burnley...

“They have trained well, we have been able to get some good work into their bodies. They are still building their robustness, if you like - you need the load behind you to stay fit. They are doing well.”

On De Zerbi’s Brighton, who currently sit 11th in the Premier League table...

“They are a very good team - their style is difficult to grab hold of and control. They stick to their method, and they have become very strong at it.

“We were off it tactically in the game at Brighton. We know we are going to need to perform well. They are a very strong team.”

Howay!

• Date: Saturday, May 11th
• Kick-off: 15:00 BST / 10:00 EST
• Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle (England)