Sky Sports expert’s verdict – Interesting on Newcastle United ahead of new season

1 month ago 18

ARTICLE AD

The Sky Sports column ‘Jones Knows’ has given some interesting analysis and commentary on what is currently the position at Newcastle United.

The column makes predictions on what will happen at certain Premier League matches and also debates other matters / issues at clubs as well.

However, unlike the usual ex-pro predictions, that are usually simply based on how ‘big’ a club is and whether or not they won the previous game, this one has proper analysis and insight, not lazy assumptions.

The Sky Sports ‘Jones Knows’ column looks at the matches from a betting perspective and has been concentrating on this new season overall for Newcastle United, including of course the game at St James’ Park on Saturday against Southampton.

Lewis Jones (who is the Sky Sports expert behind the ‘Jones Knows’ column) has highlighted some major underlying factors that could / should have a big bearing on this Newcastle v Southampton game and especially the new season overall.

“With no Europe to deal with this season, Newcastle could just challenge the top four once again.

“Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon are genuine world-class talents that could make a mark for any team in the Premier League. If Eddie Howe can find the balance that evaded him last season when trying to build a solid defence then I’d want to be investing in them when the price is right.

“However, until I’ve seen evidence that the defence has been sorted – relegated Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United managed to score six times against the Toon in 2024 – opposition players have to be of interest in the goalscorer market.

“Saints will be encouraged to play with freedom when attacking and Will Smallbone is the player overpriced at 10/1 with Sky Bet to get on the scoresheet from midfield. He scored in three of his last seven starts in the Sky Bet Championship and was unlucky not to score in last weekend’s friendly with Getafe.

“Prediction – Newcastle 3 Southampton 1”

As always, the Sky Sports expert does with plenty of interesting analysis there on Newcastle United.

Just what could be possible this coming season?

Despite having the worst season in terms of hit by injuries in the club’s history, Newcastle United were still only eight points off top four in 2023/24.

In 2022/23, Newcastle scored 68 PL goals and conceded 33.

In 2023/24, Newcastle scored 85 goals and conceded 62.

So based purely on stats, it is fair enough, up to a point, the Sky Sports man saying Newcastle’s defence has to prove it can bounce back to something closer to that 2022/23 form.

I think there is a lot of confidence AND firm facts we can use to suggest why this will be the case, Nick Pope a massive factor.

However, so many other players missed so much of last season, so if the likes of Joelinton, Tonali and others can also play most of the 2024/25 campaign, things could be well on the up. Starting with a win tomorrow.

Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:

Saturday 17 August 2024 – Newcastle v Southampton (3pm)

Sunday 25 August 2024 – Bournemouth v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Week commencing Monday 26 August 2024 – Carabao Cup round two matches will be played

Friday 30 August 2024 – Summer transfer window closes at 11pm.

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