After dipping out of the Premier League last season Newcastle have made a swift return, taking the Championship crown with them into top flight football. For Brighton the wait has been considerably longer, with the Seagulls last gracing the upper echelons of English football back in 1983.
Here I’ll take a look at the form and key players of these two promoted teams, who dominated the Championship this season.
NEWCASTLE
Rafa Benetiz’s side won the 2016/17 Championship on the final day of the season based on a strong defensive and attacking record, conceding 40 goals (23 at home and 17 away) and keeping an impressive 19 clean sheets (8 at home and 11 away). Their stronger defensive record on the road perhaps indicates that they may welcome their days out in the top flight, away from the pressure of the Toon army.
In terms of attack they ended the campaign in joint first, with Fulham and Norwich, netting 85 times (49 at home and 36 away). Across the season they lost 10 games.
A key player to watch is their top scorer Dwight Gayle. Although the former Crystal Palace striker’s 23 goal tally was bettered by Leeds’ Chris Wood (27) and equalled by Brighton’s Glenn Murray and Bristol City’s on-loan Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, his scoring rate offers considerable cause for optimism. Over his 2,145 minutes of action he registered a goal every 93 minutes – a faster rate than any of the division’s top scorers. He could prove to be a lucrative third striker option.
Top Scorer: Dwight Gayle – 23 goals
Top Assister: Jonjo Shelvey – 8
Three to Watch: Jamal Lascelles/Matt Ritchie/Ayoze Perez
Starting 11 (based on apps): Darlow (36)/Lascelles (47/3)/Clark (36/3)/Yedlin (32/1)/Dummett (46)/Hayden (37/2)/Shelvey (48/5)/Diame (39/6)/Ritchie (48/16)/Gouffran (44/7)/Perez (41/12) – Subs:Sels (14)/Mbemba (13/1)/Colback (34)/Atsu (34/5)/Anita (31/1)/Gayle (34/23)/Mitrovic (29/6)
Positions where new recruits are likely: Centre-back, wingers, forwards
BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION
The Seagulls finished as runners-up after spending much of the season tussling at the top with Newcastle. In the end a late equaliser by a 10-man Villa side saw Chris Hughton’s troops miss out on the trophy. The Villa clash was at the end of a three match winless streak, which may be a slight worry, or perhaps more likely due to too much celebrating after clinching top flight status for the first time in 34 years.
Like Newcastle, their defence was robust, conceding just 40 goals. But in stark contrast to their rivals they fared far better at home. While they shipped 26 goals away, they conceded a mere 14 at the Amex stadium. Of their 20 clean sheets, 11 where in front of their own fans. Fantasy managers should be advised to consider pairing their defenders or goalkeeper in a home and away rotation to maximise their points potential.
In terms of attack, they scored 74 goals, with home advantage once again shining through as 45 of these were delivered at the Amex.
Although their side was settled, with seven players appearing 40 times or more, reinforcements will be needed if they are to survive their debut Premier League season.
A key player to watch is their midfield set piece specialist Anthony Knockaert, who was crowned Championship player of the season as well as Brighton’s player of the year. With 15 goals and eight assists no other midfielder in this tier of English football was involved in more goals. If priced around the 6 to 6.5m mark he could offer a strong value option in midfield.
Top Scorer: Glenn Murray – 23 goals
Top Assister: Anthony Knockaert – 8
Three to Watch: Lewis Dunk/Anthony Knockaert/Solly March
Starting 11 (based on apps): Stockdale (45)/Dunk (43/2)/Duffy (31/2))/ Bruno (42)/ Bong (24)/Stephens (39/2)/Sidwell (37/1)/ Knockaert (45/15)/Murphy (40/4)/Murray (47/23)/ Hemed (41/14) – Subs:Maenpaa (6)/Huenemeier (15/1)/Pocognoli (21/1)/Skalak (33)/March (27/3)/Norwood (37)/Kayal (21/1)/Baldock 34/12
Positions where new recruits are likely: Goalkeeper (should regular David Stockdale leave), full backs, central and attacking midfielders, forwards.
6 years, 11 months agoThanks so much for this.
Knockaert (c) GWK 1 2017/18 locked in 😉