Newcastle are perhaps wondering which version of Brighton they will face when they visit Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls' best win streak in the Premier League this season is 4 matches. This is an achievement only behind the other 5 teams in the tournament, including Newcastle. However, they have also gone 8 matches without a win, the fifth worst streak of matches against any other team.
Last weekend's game against West Ham summed up Brighton's season in a clear way. The "Seagulls" took an early lead, then came back in the 83rd minute but still managed to win 3-2.
Matches like the victory over The Hammers explain why Brighton are the only team outside Tottenham to score and concede at least 55 goals this season (56 goals, 55 goals conceded). Each of their last 11 games has seen at least three goals scored, for a total of 45 goals (4.1 goals per game).
Meanwhile, Newcastle are in great form. They are currently aiming for a place in the Champions League next season. If the Magpies win one of their remaining four games, they will have won 20 of their first Premier League season since the 2002-03 campaign.
Newcastle have won 21 under Sir Bobby Robson that season. And Eddie Howe will have the opportunity to match his famous predecessor in this metric.
If he can do so, the 47-year-old will be the first English captain to win 20 Premier League games in a season since Frank Lampard at Chelsea.
With the form of The Magpies, these records are completely achievable. Since December 14 last year, Newcastle have won 14 out of 19 Premier League games, a record only Liverpool have been able to match. Liverpool were also the only team to score more goals than Newcastle during that period (51-46).
Half of those victories have come by a margin of more than 2 goals. Under Howe, they have won 27 Premier League games by 3 goals or more, behind only Manchester City (38) in the same period.
Alexander Isak is an important factor in Newcastle's success. The Swedish player has scored 22 goals in the Premier League this season. This is a number that only one Newcastle player has surpassed in the 2001-2002 season (Alan Shearer - 23. However, Brighton is the only team Isak has met with more than once without being able to score.
Head-to-head record
Newcastle have failed to win in their seven Premier League away games against Brighton (D4 L3). This is their most encounters with a Premier League side without a win. They have also gone 7 matches without a win against Watford and Wimbledon.
Score prediction
Newcastle are predicted to have a 41.1% chance of winning, while Brighton have 34%.
A draw, the result of three of the two sides' previous five meetings at Brighton, is assessed to have a 24.9% chance of happening.
Predicted result: Brighton 2-2 Newcastle
The match between Brighton and Newcastle takes place at 20:00 on April 4 (Vietnam time).
