Brighton v Newcastle Betting Pick Over 2.5 goals – 28 January 2012

Brighton v Newcastle

Newcastle will have to tread warily if they wish to avoid being the victim of a cup shock when they make the long journey south to take on Brighton.

Gus Poyet’s men have had to adjust to being a small fish in a big pond after being a big fish in a small pond when earning promotion to the Championship after running away with League One last season. After a flying start when they topped the table in the first few weeks, they began to struggle towards the end of last year but they have come back strong in 2012. From the five games they have played since the turn of the year they have won all three league matches and got the better of Wrexham, eventually, over two ties in the last round of this competition. It’s been all or nothing for the Seagulls in recent times as they have not drawn a match in the league since October so the TV cameras heading to the South coast tomorrow will be hoping that they continue their entertaining style of play for the visit of the Toon Army.

Newcastle have surprised many with their form thus far and are riding high in the top half of the Premier League. After the sale of Andy Carroll last January, many expected them to struggle but they have managed to replace his goals with the purchase of Demba Ba. Despite their lofty position Newcastle have had to contend with a couple of heavy defeats of late, most notably their 5-2 reverse against Fulham last Saturday.  Although they took the lead at Craven Cottage, they were unable to withstand the home pressure and lost five second half goals. Tomorrow’s match will be a chance to get back on the winning trail. Of course, Newcastle have not won anything of note since successful in this competition way back in 1955. The Toon Army support will once again travel south in large numbers hoping against hope that this will finally be their year.

Brighton played Liverpool in the League cup earlier in the season and performed with credit as they managed to run the finalists close, losing out 2-1. A repeat of that performance would be enough to stand a chance against another Premier League side tomorrow.

Newcastle’s priority was to stay clear of relegation – that’s looking very likely now. Alan Pardew will be keen for his side to progress in the cup as well as maintain their league form. With that being the case, it’s likely they will field a strong team tomorrow evening.

Both sides, and sets of supporters, will be up for this tomorrow. The camera’s will be there and with both side’s favouring attack over defence of late, I can see it being an entertaining match with plenty of chances so take the Overs.

My Selection: Over 2.5 goals

Best odds available:  21/20 available with Sportingbet