BBC Sport pundit weighs in with his new Newcastle United analysis – On the money?


 
 
 
 
 
 

Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Saturday afternoon’s game at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe and his players looking to bounce back from Wednesday night’s loss against Crystal Palace.

Pointing out to BBC Sport what he sees as the relevant situations of the two clubs as Newcastle United take on Sheffield United, is Chris Sutton getting it right this time?

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 26 April 2024:

“Sheffield United will be relegated if they lose this game but it is going to happen sooner or later even if they avoid defeat.

“The Blades have lacked quality in all areas but they have known they are going down for a while now, and the important thing for them is how they regroup for next season.

“Newcastle put eight goals past them at Bramall Lane in September and I am pretty sure they will cut through them pretty easily this time too.

“I am going to give Sheffield United a goal, but that is all they will get.

“Prediction: Newcastle United 3 Sheffield United 1”

So what to make of what the BBC Sport man has said?

Well, difficult to see this match ending goalless.

Also, very difficult to imagine that Newcastle United won’t score one or more goals.

Sheffield United have only kept one clean sheet in their 34 Premier League matches this season.

Whilst Newcastle United haven’t failed to score in any PL game this season and until the Palace defeat, you had to go back before Christmas for a PL match, home or away, where Eddie Howe’s team didn’t score, that was the 1-0 defeat at Luton.

Neither side have played out a single goalless draw in the league this season either.

With 43 goals at St James’ Park, no Premier League team has scored more league goals at home this season.

Whilst having conceded 41 goals on their travels, Sheffield United have leaked more league goals than all other PL clubs apart from Luton (43 conceded).

Sheffield United have accepted that they are relegated and are coming out swinging, they led 1-0 and 2-1 at Old Trafford on Wednesday night, before running out of steam and going down 4-2.

This has all the makings of an entertaining match today on Tyneside with plenty of goals. Newcastle United just have to guard against complacency and try to ensure they are ruthless in front of goal and unlike Man U, don’t give Sheffield United any encouragement at the other end of the pitch.