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8 months ago
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Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.
Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Saturday’s game at St James’ Park against West Ham
A chance for Eddie Howe and his players to try and start a run in these final seven weeks of the season.
Pointing out to BBC Sport what he sees as the relevant situations of the two clubs, is Chris Sutton on the mark with his reasoning?
Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport -28 March 2024:
“Newcastle’s hopes of a trophy ended when they were knocked out of the FA Cup before the international break so it feels like a big end to the season for their manager Eddie Howe, starting now.
“The same applies to West Ham boss David Moyes too, because there has been plenty of speculation about his future too, as well as criticism from fans.
“But the Hammers are still in Europe, with a Europa League quarter-final against Bayer Leverkusen to look forward to, while Newcastle’s campaign has unravelled a bit in the past few weeks.
“League position is all Newcastle have to play for now and I don’t think Howe can afford to let this campaign peter out.
“They are four points behind seventh-place West Ham with a game in hand, so a win here would be massive for them.
“And, while Howe’s side have not been as strong defensively this season, I still always feel they have a goal in them. That’s why I reckon they will edge this.
“Prediction: Newcastle 2 West Ham 1”
So what to make of what the BBC Sport man has said?
As you can see by the current Premier League table, this match could be pivotal to the end of season run-in as Chris Sutton indicates.
Newcastle United get the win and move to within a point of West Ham and with a game in hand.
The Hammers get the win and they’d move seven points clear of NUFC.
Worth pointing out though, despite the negativity from so many about Newcastle United, is just how rare it is for Eddie Howe’s side to lose at home in the Premier League.
He has been in charge over 28 months and Newcastle have had 43 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.
Newcastle United have done better recently than many have given them credit for, since New Year’s Day they have played 12 times in all competitions, winning six games and drawing two, the only defeats against Arsenal and Chelsea away, plus Man City home and away.
Fair to say that neither West Ham nor Everton who NUFC have at home on Tuesday, are anywhere close to Man City levels.
Indeed, they are both in rotten form. In domestic competitions West Ham have won only two of their last 13 matches, whilst Everton have won only one of their last 15!
The BBC Sport man says that it always feels like Newcastle United ‘have a goal in them’ and of course only the top four have scored more than Eddie Howe’s side.
You have to go back over three months for the last time Newcastle United failed to score less than two or more goals in a home match. Indeed home and away in 2024, ten times NUFC have scored two or more goals, one goal in two of the games, then only that last one in the FA Cup at Man City when failing to score at all.
If Newcastle can defend well, I have no doubts that we can get all three points, as Eddie Howe’s side are surely destined to score at least two or more in my eyes.
Great to have proper football back again after this latest international break, so here’s hoping we see a high level NUFC performance and most importantly, a win.

 
