Newcastle United goalkeeper Steve Harper has said that he expects Brighton and Hove to provide a stiff competition for Newcastle United in the FA Cup. Newcastle United were eliminated from the FA Cup last season at the hands of a lower league opposition. Steve Harper, who spent some time on loan at the Championship club earlier in the season, has warned of a repeat this time around. Newcastle United have been warned by Steve Harper, who says that the style of play Brighton and Hove deploy will mean that it will certainly not be an easy game for the magpies.
Brighton and Hove are currently in the 10th position in the table. Despite this, they have a very strong chance of finishing in the play-off position, which will ensure that they have the right to compete for a promotion to the top flight. They are just two points behind Birmingham city, who occupy the final play-off position. Even though Brighton and Hove enjoyed a good run of form only recently, they have suffered a two defeats on the bounce. It has meant that their chances of qualifying for the play-offs are diminishing, but they can shift their focus towards the FA Cup in the hope of a good cup run this season.
“It’s good draw – but a tough draw. Brighton are very comfortable on the ball and play total football, and I can’t see the ball being in the air much. They have two very good centre-backs and have a lot of strength elsewhere too. The Amex will be full and Brighton have nothing to lose,” Steve Harper told The Shields Gazette. After suffering a few stutters in the last few months, Newcastle United seem to have found form at just the right stage in the season.