5 bold Premier League predictions: Benitez sacked as Brighton win at Newcastle
1. Rafa Benitez sacked as Newcastle lose at home to Brighton
One of the most important games of the weekend sees Newcastle host Brighton in a match that could determine the future of Rafa Benitez. The Spanish manager’s side have had a tough start to the season and Newcastle fans might not stand for it much longer.
The Magpies started the campaign with a promising match against Spurs, in which they seemed to have plenty of attacking threat. Since then, they’ve lost confidence and they don’t look like they can get three points no matter how hard they try.
They were unlucky to lose against Manchester United — a match in which they led 2-0 — and will now look to this match against Brighton as an opportunity to get their season back on track.
Brighton have been stronger at home than on the road, but Chris Hughton will see this is a genuine chance for his side to get their first away win. The Seagulls can take advantage of Newcastle’s current plight and get the upper hand in this match.
Newcastle fans are incredibly loyal but even they must have their breaking point. If their team gives another sub-par performance in such a winnable match, St. James’ Park could become a little hostile toward its own players.
Brighton have the capability to score goals as well with the likes of Glenn Murray and Anthony Knockaert in their team. Murray is in fine goalscoring form this season with five already to his name, good for joint second-top scorer in the league, only two behind Eden Hazard.
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Brighton can definitely win this match. If they do, that could be the end of Benitez’s time in charge of Newcastle. It would perhaps be an unfair dismissal, but if the Magpies want to stay up then this difficult decision will need to be made sooner rather than later.