OPINION
Newcastle United need all the help they can get this season – even if it means the opposition suffering as a result.
That is exactly what has happened with their next game, with the Magpies handed a major boost as Brighton are left sweating over the availability of midfielder Dale Stephens ahead of the clash on Saturday.
The Toon Army are set to welcome the Seagulls to St James’ Park as they aim to secure their first win of the Premier League season this weekend – and they have just been handed a boost in their aim to capture all three points.
Brighton boss Chris Hughton has confrmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of his team’s fixture with Newcastle that they were still unsure whether Stephens will be available to play.
“We’ve got some late decision to make. Pascal [Gross] is just back training, Dale [Stephens] has been out and Gaetan Bong (knee injury) was away on international duty but didn’t play,” Hughton said, as quoted by the Brighton and Hove Independent.
“They’re the three who we will make late decisions on. Apart from that, everybody’s fit.”
This update from Hughton indicates that they are sweating over his fitness of one of their key players, something which would undoubtedly scupper Brighton’s plans this weekend.
The £30,000-a-week [Spotrac] ace is one of Brighton’s most integral players, and the fact that he could potentially not feature is certainly not ideal for them.
However, Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez must be secretly rejoicing that his side have been handed a slight edge over their opponents.
This game is a must-win for the Spaniard, so any news that will improve their chances of winning will be gladly welcomed.
Stephens has been outstanding for the Seagulls in the midfield – he is an excellent passer of the ball, and he can always be relied upon to track back to cover defensively – but his absence will give the Newcastle midfielders hope that they can win this particular duel.
Benitez will no doubt have his fingers crossed that the late decision that has to be made on Stephens will result in him missing the game.
