Mark Lawrenson expects Albion and Saturday's hosts Newcastle to finish in a similar position in the Premier League - in the bottom eight but clear of relegation trouble.

The former Seagulls star and Newcastle coach gave his verdict in his Premier League results predictions column on the BBC website.

Newcastle are next-to-bottom without a home win ahead of Albion's visit.

Lawrenson said: "Longer-term, their prospects actually look quite similar to Brighton's, in that I am not expecting either of these teams to be relegated. They will both be in the bottom eight, but towards the top end of it."

Lawrenson has tipped Albion to lose 2-0 at St James' Park.

He said: "Brighton got a good win against West Ham last time out, but their away form remains a problem - they have not won a Premier League game on the road since 4 November 2017.

"Even so, there is more pressure on Newcastle to win this than the Seagulls.

"But I think Rafa Benitez will take a lot positives from his side's performance against Manchester United at Old Trafford, even if they did not get the result they wanted in the end.

"The Magpies have not picked up a single point at St James' Park this season but I am backing them to get off the mark in this game."