Rafa Warns Of Seagulls Threat

By Tom Easterby - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez says his side must be wary of Chris Hughton's Brighton & Hove Albion when they arrive in town on Saturday.

United face the Seagulls in the Sky Bet Championship at St. James' Park (5.30pm kick-off) in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

They will have to do so without the services of forwards Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic, who miss out after suffering head injuries in the EFL Cup win over Cheltenham Town in midweek, and winger Rolando Aarons, who broke a metatarsal in the same game.

And while Benitez hinted that he may continue to be active in the transfer market as he bids to further strengthen his side, he believes that the team he'll field against ex-Newcastle boss Hughton's men will contain enough quality to earn a fourth win on the bounce.

"It will be difficult, for sure, because still we don't have the squad ready in terms of the number of players we want and the balance that we want. It could be more difficult, and we were talking about the injuries, but I still have confidence that the team is strong enough to beat everyone," he said.

"It will be tough - they have experience, they have a manager who knows the city, the players, the Championship - so it will be tough. But can we beat them? Yes.

"I think that there are a lot of good teams around that can do well. They are the most difficult now because it's the next game, but as I said before, they have a manager with experience. He knows us, he knows the city, he knows the fans and he knows the Championship. It will be very difficult."

Hughton guided United back into the top flight just over six years ago, winning the Championship title with 102 points.

Benitez reckons that the second tier of English football has a different look to it now compared to the last time his side were in the division.

But he says that his opposite number of Hughton will be thoroughly deserving of the ovation he's likely to receive when he returns to St. James' Park this weekend.

"I think he did a great job, but also it was different. He has a very, very good team, players with experience and character and young players, so he had a very good mix," said Benitez.

"The Championship I think now is even stronger, and you see the money that everybody is spending, so I think it's a good experience and I know that he did really well. But this Championship is totally different.

"When you have someone that has given everything and has been successful, why not (show him that respect)? I think it's important to understand that we are professionals and we want to do the best for our clubs, but if you do well and especially win promotion, I think that the fans want to support him."