St James’ Park plays host to one of the most intriguing Premier League fixtures of Matchday 35 as Newcastle United welcome Brighton and Hove Albion on 2 May 2026. Two clubs travelling in completely opposite directions are set to collide in what promises to be a fascinating contest. Newcastle arrive on the back of five consecutive defeats and desperately need a performance to lift their supporters, while Brighton come into the game as arguably the form team in the entire Premier League, having won six of their last eight matches and sitting just one point away from securing Europa League qualification.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM BST at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
Newcastle United: A Season to Forget
It has been a deeply disappointing 2025-26 campaign for Newcastle United and manager Eddie Howe. The Magpies entered the season with Champions League ambitions, having qualified for Europe for the second successive year. However, the reality of juggling domestic and European commitments has taken a heavy toll, and the team’s form has fallen off a cliff since their embarrassing 7-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League round of 16 in March.
Since that humiliating European exit, Newcastle have won just one of their last twelve Premier League matches and currently sit in 14th place with 42 points. Their record of 16 league defeats this season is the worst under Eddie Howe’s tenure. Questions are mounting about the manager’s future at the club, and there is a widespread sense at St James’ Park that a significant summer rebuild is required.
On the injury front, Newcastle are without Anthony Gordon, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth and Tino Livramento ahead of this fixture. Despite the setbacks, Bruno Guimaraes remains a class act in midfield and leads the club’s scoring charts with nine Premier League goals. Nick Woltemade, signed in January, has also contributed seven goals and shown real promise despite the team’s struggles. One positive heading into this game is that Newcastle have scored in eight consecutive home matches, suggesting their attacking threat at St James’ Park remains alive even if results have not reflected it.
Brighton: The Form Team in the Premier League
The contrast with Brighton could barely be more stark. Fabian Hurzeler’s side have been outstanding in the second half of the season and have emerged as genuine contenders for a top-six finish and Europa League qualification. With 50 points from 34 games, they sit sixth in the Premier League, just one point ahead of Bournemouth in seventh, and the race for that final European spot goes down to the wire.
Brighton’s recent form has been sensational. They have collected 13 points from their last five league fixtures, with their only dropped points coming in a 2-2 draw at Tottenham. Their most recent result was a commanding 3-0 home victory over Chelsea, in which Ferdi Kadioglu, Jack Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck all got on the scoresheet. That performance showcased the depth and quality running through Hurzeler’s squad.
Danny Welbeck has been a revelation this season, heading into this fixture with 13 Premier League goals and needing just one more to hit 15 in all competitions. Kaoru Mitoma provides pace and danger down the left, while the midfield trio of Carlos Baleba, Pascal Gross and Jack Hinshelwood have been outstanding. Brighton are unbeaten against Newcastle in their last six head-to-head meetings, winning four of them, and they have never lost a Premier League match at St James’ Park in their recent run of visits.
Adam Webster, Stefanos Tzimas, Diego Gomez, Solly March and James Milner are all absent through injury for the Seagulls, but such is the depth in their squad that Hurzeler has multiple options to cover for those missing.
Head to Head Record
Brighton hold a clear edge in recent meetings between these two sides. The Seagulls have won four of the last six encounters in all competitions, including a 2-1 victory at the Amex Stadium earlier this season when Danny Welbeck scored twice. The overall historical record shows Brighton with a 16-11 advantage over Newcastle, with 11 draws. Both teams to score has been the outcome in six of their last seven meetings, suggesting a lively and open contest is very much on the cards.
What to Expect
This is a fixture where the narratives could not be more different. Newcastle are playing largely for pride in the final weeks of the season, while Brighton have everything to play for in their pursuit of European football. Hurzeler’s side will be full of confidence and belief, while Newcastle will draw on the support of a passionate St James’ Park crowd desperate to see their team produce a performance worthy of the occasion.
Brighton’s attacking quality and momentum make them strong favourites to take something from this match, but Newcastle’s home record of eight consecutive matches with a goal means this will not simply be a one-sided affair. Expect goals, commitment, and a Brighton side with enough quality to get the job done at a ground where their recent record has been excellent.
Match Details
- Competition: English Premier League 2025-26, Matchday 35
- Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle
- Date: 2 May 2026
- Kick-off: 3:00 PM BST
- Newcastle Position: 14th, 42 points
- Brighton Position: 6th, 50 points
Full match highlights and the complete replay will be available here on AllSportsZone shortly after the final whistle. Watch in HD quality, completely free, on any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Newcastle vs Brighton on 2 May 2026?
The match kicks off at 3:00 PM BST on Saturday 2 May 2026 at St James’ Park, Newcastle.
Where can I watch Newcastle vs Brighton highlights and full match replay?
Full match highlights and the complete replay will be available right here on AllSportsZone after the game, free and in HD quality on any device.
What is the current league position of both teams?
Newcastle are 14th with 42 points. Brighton are 6th with 50 points, pushing for Europa League qualification in the final weeks of the season.