With just five games left to play for both Brighton and Newcastle, the race for the top spot in the Championship is set to go down the wire with the two teams currently separated by just two points.
Both the Magpies and Seagulls are incredibly well-matched with 26 wins to each of their names – and both teams having conceded just 35 goals through the 41 games which have been played so far.
Coming into the final five games, it really is tough to call who is going to end up perched at the top of table of the table come the end of the season.
Currently, Bet365 have Brighton as favourites at 1.72, with Newcastle priced at 2.10 – an indication that even this late in the campaign the top spot is still up for grabs. If you fancy a dabble, you can use a Bet365 promo code.
When looking at the form of each clubs last six games, you would have to favour Brighton to continue their scintillating form in the closing games. They’ve won five of their last six outings, while the Magpies have stumbled and picked up just two wins from the same number of games – including losing their last game against Sheffield Wednesday:
Brighton would have enjoyed this.
Newcastle United's title hopes are dealt a blow by Sheffield Wednesday.
More: https://t.co/IsVQnxP2wR pic.twitter.com/BVZod0Qm8p
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 8, 2017
Further to this, when comparing each sides final five games, the pendulum swings even further in favour of Brighton. The Seagulls have two home games remaining, one vs 21st placed Bristol City and one vs 23rd placed Wigan Athletic – on paper, two games they should be picking up maximum points from.
Newcastle are clearly going up but I hope Brighton win the title. Last year was tough for them to take so deserve the big prize this year
— David Turner (@dcturner71) April 8, 2017
Away fixtures to mid-table Wolves, Norwich and Aston Villa complete an easy run-in for the South Coast side who are definitely in a commanding position in this title run.
Newcastle’s next game is arguably the toughest that either team have to play – a home game vs Leeds United. The Whites are currently fighting for a play-off place, sitting in 5th place, five points clear of Fulham in 7th.
Rafael Benitez’s men also have to face play-off hopefuls Preston. Eight points adrift of 6th place as it stands, the Lilywhites will prove a tough test when they visit St James’ Park.
With it looking more likely each game that both clubs will occupy the two automatic promotion places, the race for the top spot is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats until it’s climax on Sun May 7th.