Sky Sports expert’s verdict on Newcastle United – A struggle to disagree with any of this | 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 away at 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 Southampton v Newcastle game.

“Getting thumped by Bournemouth might not actually be a bad thing for Newcastle.

“It may just give them a little bit of a backside kick heading into what is an open goal in terms of a winnable football match.

“Those taking pro Newcastle plays should find some easy winners.

“My plan of attack is to concentrate on Southampton’s fouls. Since Ivan Juric took charge, Saints are making 14.4 fouls per game – only Bournemouth are making more (15.6).

“Juric has made this team more aggressive and that in turn is leading to a higher foul count.

“My player of choice in the fouls market is Jan Bednarek to make two or more fouls at 5/4 with Sky Bet.

“He’s made 14 fouls in his last seven games, so an average of two per game and will be a busy boy up against the Newcastle frontline.

“Score prediction: Southampton 1 Newcastle 3”

Interesting analysis as always, from the Sky Sports expert.

Difficult to disagree with any of that pre-Southampton overview.

Working back in time, the Sky Sports man had been relentless in predicting Newcastle United wouldn’t win in the Premier League:

“Score prediction: Newcastle 1 Bournemouth 1”

Score prediction: Newcastle 2 Wolves 2″

“Score prediction: Spurs 2 Newcastle 2”

“Score prediction: Man U 1 Newcastle United 1”

“Score prediction: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 2″

The Sky Sports expert got it half right last time, Newcastle didn’t win (after nine victories in a row in all competitions) at St James’ Park last weekend, though he only went for a Bournemouth draw, not an away win.

Southampton need five points to equal Derby County’s worst ever Premier League points total. I am sure Eddie Howe will have his team supercharged from the kick-off, to get on top from the first whistle and ensure no chance of the Saints improving today on their six points so far from a possible sixty six. Which all started when Joelinton got the winner (see above) on the opening day of the season, as United kept a clean sheet despite playing the vast majority of the match with only ten men.

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

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)

Saturday 8 February – Birmingham v Newcastle (5.45pm) BBC1 and BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

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

Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 26 February – Liverpool v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports

(Weekend of Saturday 1 March –  NUFC will play in FA Cup fifth round if getting past Birmingham)

Monday 10 March – West Ham v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 15 March – Newcastle v Crystal Palace (3pm)