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2 months ago
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Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.
Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Sunday afternoon’s game at St James’ Park.
A chance for Eddie Howe and his players to be top five in the table at a minimum, after this weekend’s Premier League schedule is completed.
So is the BBC Sport man getting it right this time?
Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 29 August 2024:
“Eddie Howe’s team haven’t quite clicked.
“I don’t think it’s a really settled Eddie Howe because he hasn’t got the players in so far which I think he would’ve wanted.
“I thought Spurs were excellent against Everton.
“I think there will be goals in this game, there can’t not be.
“But this will be toe-to-toe, this will be like a basketball match. I’m going to back Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs.
“Prediction: Newcastle 2 Tottenham 3”
Funnily enough, this all looking very familiar from the BBC Sport pundit, when you see what he predicted for Newcastle v Tottenham only four months ago…
Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 11 April 2024:
“What a game this will be.
“I was at Newcastle’s 4-3 win over West Ham at the end of March and I am expecting a few goals this time too.
“I didn’t see Newcastle’s win at Fulham last week coming, but it was a great result and it means they are looking up the table now, with their sights set on sixth place.
“Tottenham’s target is to finish fourth and they won’t settle for a point here.
“It is going to be very close but I have got a feeling they will edge it.
“Prediction: Newcastle 2 Tottenham 3”
So what to make of what the BBC Sport man has said?
Should Tottenham be seen as strongly fancied to win at St James’ Park.
Well, the away record of Tottenham shows that in their last fourteen Premier League matches on the road, Spurs have only won three of the fourteen
Not exactly pointing to them being a great bet on Sunday.
Also worth pointing out though, is just how rare it is for Eddie Howe’s side to lose at home in the Premier League.
He has been in charge some 33 months and Newcastle United have had 49 St James’ Park Premier League matches in that time.
They have only lost to four different clubs, those having been Liverpool (x3), Man City (x2), then Arsenal and Forest once each.
I am not going to say that Newcastle United will win for sure, however, the stats tell you that Eddie Howe’s NUFC losing at St James Park is a very rare occurrence.
I agree with the BBC Sport pundit though that this has the makings of a very good match.
Hopefully Chris Sutton is proved correct about that BUT finds his prediction of which team is going to win at St James’ Park, well wide of the mark.
Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:
Sunday 1 September 2024 – Newcastle v Tottenham (1.30pm) Sky Sports
(The first international break of the season)
Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4.30 pm) Sky Sports
Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)
Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3 pm)
Weeks commencing Monday 16 September AND Monday 23 September – Carabao Cup round three (This round split over two midweeks)
Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)
Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

 
