Mark Lawrenson verdict on Newcastle United | OneFootball

Mark Lawrenson has been discussing Newcastle United.

The former Liverpool defender speaking ahead of the St James’ Park match on Thursday afternoon.

Newcastle United having played twenty one matches in total (all competitions) so far this season.

Eleven wins, five draws and five defeats.

Now set to face Aston Villa at home.

Mark Lawrenson speaking to Paddy Power ahead of Newcastle v Aston Villa:

“Newcastle have had a couple of big wins.

“But I’m going to side with Aston Villa.

“They’re back on the bus now and they’re a great side when they’re at it.

“Prediction: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 2”

Most neutrals would see this as a closely matched game, that could go either way.

As Mark Lawrenson indicates, Aston Villa have had some good Premier League results recently. Those three wins in their last four PL matches were all at home, against Brentford, Southampton and Man City.

However, on their travels, it is ten weeks since Villa won a PL match away from home and that victory at Fulham is their only one since August.

Newcastle United have of course won their last three matches and against Premier League opposition, the last ten games show six wins, two draws and two defeats. As compared to Villa’s three wins, two draws and five defeats.

United can’t be complacent (no more West Hams at home) and will have to play well if they are to take the three points. You have to think though that if NUFC can reach the levels they have shown recently at St James’ Park against Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Leicester and Brentford, then difficult to see this Mark Lawrenson prediction coming true. Especially as it is 19 years since Villa last won on Tyneside, against the nine men of Newcastle United in 2005.

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Tuesday 7 January – Arsenal v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports and ITV1 and ITVX

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports