Our Football League betting expert has the best bets from Tuesday's huge Championship clash.
Brighton v Newcastle - Tuesday 19:45, Sky Sports 1
The impetus should be with Brighton at the start of this top-of-the-table clash, following a reaffirming weekend in which they gained significant ground on their three nearest rivals, and we should fancy them to capitalise on renewed confidence in the opening 45 minutes here. Stick a point on the 12/5 about the hosts to be ahead at half time.
The Seagulls consistently look to establish superiority early on at the Amex and they could have some joy against a Newcastle side that’s a little unsure of themselves in the absence of holding midfielder Isaac Hayden and livewire striker Dwight Gayle. Indeed, lowly Bristol City were able to establish a two-goal lead at St James’s Park last time out.
However, the Magpies have quality in abundance and Rafa Benitez is resourceful enough to come up with the right answers, so there’s additional value in the Brighton/Draw half time/full time bet at 16/1. If Albion do go ahead, the broader context of the title race won’t be lost on either side and the hosts might be inclined to sit back and invite trouble.
It should be pointed out that Brighton have picked up maximum points from all 12 games in which they’ve been ahead at the break this term, while Newcastle have only salvaged something in two out of five games in which they’ve been behind. But these two teams couldn’t be more evenly-matched and the visitors ultimately have enough about them to avoid defeat.
