Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion couldn't be in more different moods as they prepare to clash at St. James' Park this Saturday (15:00 BST). While the visitors are charging hard toward a European finish, the hosts are desperately trying to halt a slide that has left fans searching for answers.
Eddie Howe's Magpies currently sit 14th in the Premier League table after suffering four straight defeats. The last time Newcastle lost five top-flight matches in a row was back in January 2021, when Steve Bruce was still in charge. That's a stat no Newcastle supporter wants to see repeated.
The downturn has been sharp. Since a goalless draw with bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers on 18 January—when Newcastle were sitting eighth—they've lost nine of their last 12 league matches. It's been a tough watch for the Toon Army, especially considering they were dreaming of a Champions League quarterfinal just over seven weeks ago.
Home form hasn't provided much comfort either. Newcastle have managed just one win in their last six games at St. James' Park: last month's impressive victory over Manchester United, which came despite playing the entire second half with 10 men.
With a delegation from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, Newcastle's majority owners, flying in for meetings this week, the club's dire form is reportedly high on the agenda. Something needs to change, and fast.
One worrying trend for Howe to address is his side's inability to protect a lead. Twice last month—at Crystal Palace and in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland—Newcastle lost matches they were winning. They've now dropped a league-high 25 points from winning positions this season. To make matters worse, the Magpies have earned just three points from losing positions, the joint fewest in the division.
On the other side of the pitch, Brighton are flying. A superb run of six wins in eight league games since being knocked out of the FA Cup on Valentine's Day has left the Seagulls dreaming of European adventures next season.
Currently sitting sixth, Brighton trail Aston Villa by eight points. Finishing sixth should secure Europa League qualification, but there's still an outside chance it could mean Champions League football. How? It would require Villa to win the Europa League—they trail Nottingham Forest 1-0 after Thursday's semifinal first leg—and finish fifth. For now, Brighton's focus remains firmly on continuing their charge.