Newcastle vs Brighton predictions: Miley to prove his worth
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- Newcastle aiming to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for second season in a row
- Brighton lost at this stage of the competition in the last campaign
- Recommended bet: Lewis Miley anytime goalscorer
Newcastle will be looking to continue their fine cup form this season when they welcome Brighton to St James' Park for FA Cup fifth-round action on Sunday.
The Magpies are already looking forward to the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on March 16, but they first have a chance to book their spot in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup for the second year in a row.
Brighton head into this clash in stellar form and they may be able to take advantage of a Newcastle side distracted by that Wembley trip in a couple of weeks time.
Team news
Newcastle are expected to be without Alexander Isak for the second game in a row due to a groin strain, meaning Callum Wilson or William Osula will likely lead the line.
Sven Botman is close to returning after a knee problem and could be in contention, but Joelinton is still out with his own knee issue and Jamaal Lascelles is a long-term absentee.
Brighton are still missing James Miner, Igor Julio, Ferdi Kadioglu, Lewis Dunk, Jason Steele and Joel Veltman.
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The stats
Newcastle suffered a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in the league on Wednesday, a second successive away loss, but they have won their last two matches at St James' Park.
The Magpies have failed to score in just two of their 18 home fixtures in all competitions this term, with Arsenal and Brighton the two teams that have blanked Howe's troops on Tyneside.
Brighton's 2-1 victory over Bournemouth on Tuesday extended their winning streak in league and cup to four games, results which have seen them reach the fifth round of the FA Cup and climb to eighth in the top flight.
The Seagulls defeated Newcastle 1-0 at St James' Park earlier in the season and are unbeaten in their last two trips to Tyneside.
Prediction
With both teams playing midweek, changes are expected to the starting XI's for this contest and one Newcastle player that may come into the fold is Lewis Miley.
The 18-year-old midfielder was handed his first league start at home to Nottingham Forest at the weekend and he duly delivered for the manager, netting the equaliser after his side went 1-0 down early.
Dropped to the bench for the loss to Liverpool, Miley was brought on as a substitute in that contest and there is every chance he will be reinstalled to the XI on Sunday.
The Englishman scored in the third-round cup win over Bromley and more attacking output could be asked of him here, with top goalscorer Isak likely to miss out again.
Brighton's attacking nature often leaves them exposed at the back and there should be plenty of scoring opportunities for Miley and co.
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