BBC Sport pundit weighs in with Newcastle United analysis – On the money? | OneFootball

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

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of  Saturday’s game at Goodison Park.

Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players looking to build on the excellent performance and point picked up against Manchester City.

Which was then followed by eight changes made on Tuesday night, as United dominated and AFC Wimbledon didn’t have a single effort on target, but a much-changed Newcastle only winning 1-0.

Everton up next and they got their first Premier League win of the season at the sixth attempt last weekend, trailing 1-0 at Goodison Park to Crystal Palace, turning it around to win 2-1.

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 4 October 2024:

“I’ve got a big coin here and I am just tossing it up.

“That’s how hard it is to call this one.

“Newcastle produced their best performance of the season against Manchester City last week, but can they back it up here?

“I am not convinced they will.

“Everton will be buoyed after getting their first win, over Crystal Palace.

“Iliman Ndiaye looks sharp in attack and they have Jarrad Branthwaite back fit in defence, which I think is big.

“I really don’t know what to expect, so I am going to sit firmly on the fence and go for a draw.

“Prediction: Everton 1 Newcastle 1”

So is the BBC Sport man on the money with his comments?

Can Eddie Howe’s side confound Chris Sutton and play to a similar level to what we witnessed against Manchester City? If Newcastle United can do that, then you have to fancy an away win.

Take out the day to forget at Fulham, Newcastle United have only conceded four goals in their other five Premier League matches this season. United conceding once each against Man City, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Wolves.

If conceding no more than one on Saturday, then surely Newcastle will get at least a point, almost certainly three.

Only rock bottom Wolves have conceded more than the 15 goals Jordan Pickford and Everton have leaked in their six Premier League matches, including three each at home to Brighton and Bournemouth.

Whilst Newcastle United have only failed to score in one of their last 27 Premier League matches going as far back as before Christmas 2023, the exception having been the 2-0 defeat at Palace in April.

A lot of pressure on Anthony Gordon, as he will be leading the line in the absence of Wilson and Isak, back at the club he left for Tyneside. The bitter blues driving him out with abuse, as he was made a scapegoat by Everton fans and their club, for the overall shambles at Goodison Park.

If Bruno, Tonali and Joelinton can win the midfield battle, then I think the likes of Barnes and Gordon can do the rest and ensure three points for Eddie Howe’s side.

Newcastle United upcoming match schedule, confirmed to end of November:

Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)

Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

W/C Monday 28 October – AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle v Chelsea

Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 10 November – Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports