Sky Sports expert’s verdict on Newcastle United – This is an interesting take here… | OneFootball

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 Newcastle United game at home to Wolves..

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 Wolves game.

“Matheus Cunha is back from his suspension and has been pushed even more to the fore under Vitor Pereria, playing a little deeper than we’ve seen as he’s been tasked with getting on the ball more in midfield.

“That switch to playing in that area of the pitch has helped to see his tackle count rise.

“He’s made at least two tackles in all three of his appearances under Pereria, including despite only playing 45 minutes against Tottenham.

“The Newcastle central midfield trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali are a tackle-heavy bunch so I’m expecting Cunha to keep up his average. The 8/11 for 2+ tackles and 2/1 for 3+ tackles are great value with Sky Bet.

“Score prediction: Newcastle 2 Wolves 2

“Best bet: Matheus Cunha 3+ tackles (2/1 with Sky Bet)”

An interesting take from the Sky Sports expert…

I think though worth looking at this, what he had to say ahead of the last three Newcastle United matches against Spurs, Man U and Villa:

Spurs v NUFC

“…I do trust Dejan Kulusevski, arguably with my life. He has got nine goal involvements in his last nine starts at home and is Ange Postecoglou’s go-to-guy.

“Score prediction: 2-2.

“Best bet: Dejan Kulusevski to score or assist.”

Man U v NUFC:

“I’m swimming against the tide here and remain quite positive on Manchester United’s prospects under this manager, especially from a defensive point of view.

“The structure and organisation is so much more secure than under Erik ten Hag and may just lead to positive results…

“The expected goals data does suggest Ruben Amorim’s influence is already stabilising them slightly, albeit the results make that hard to believe. “I’ll put my crash helmet on and…

“Score prediction: Man U 1 Newcastle United 1”

NUFC v Villa:

“If Villa play with their same swagger in midfield as they did against Manchester City then the 11/4 with Sky Bet on an away win could turn out to be a cracking bet. The axis of Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara with Youri Tielemans playing advanced worked a charm with Tielemans especially flourishing in that role. Score prediction: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 2″

I get the feeling that our mate from Sky Sports is licking his wounds AND his losses!

The Sky Sports expert is clearly desperate to convince himself that the serious upturn in Newcastle form is just a blip. Constantly talking up the opposition ahead of NUFC matches, looking for positive angles on Newcastle’s opponents, whilst also looking for supposed negatives from a United perspective. Determined to predict United won’t win their next match, just like the one before…

Any result is possible in any match but after scoring 15 goals and only conceding one in the last five PL matchesm when defeating Leicester, Ipswich, Villa, Man U and Tottenham, surely it points to this being a lot more than just a positive ‘blip’ in Newcastle’s season.

The Sky Sports expert gives no logic/reasoning as to why Newcastle United won’t win tonight, nor why suddenly they would be conceding two goals at home to relegation battling Wolves. Only twice in the last ten months have Eddie Howe’s side conceded two or more goals in a match at St James’ Park.

There are no easy matches but every chance to believe Newcastle will make it six PL wins in a row (nine in all competitions) if playing to recent levels.

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 (League Cup)

Weekend of Saturday 8 February – Birmingham v Newcastle TBC (FA Cup)

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)