BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United – Is he on the money? | OneFootball

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

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Monday night’s match.

Newcastle facing West Ham away with an 8pm kick-off.

Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players looking to end tonight back in the top six.

An away victory would see Newcastle level on points with Man City who are fifth, whilst NUFC would be only two points behind Chelsea who are fourth.

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 10 March 2025:

“West Ham are showing signs of improvement under Graham Potter and are going for a third-straight win.

“Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s first problem is who is fit and available.

“I don’t think Howe will rest anyone ahead of next weekend’s Carabao Cup final, because his side are still going for a top-five finish and it would be huge for the club if they make it back into the Champions League.

“But there is a doubt over Alexander Isak, Lewis Hall is out for the season and Anthony Gordon is suspended after his red card against Brighton – I saw someone call him ‘Rash Gordon’ which is a great line.

“All of that, on top of West Ham’s current form, makes me think this will end up in a draw.

“Prediction: West Ham 1 Newcastle 1”

So is the BBC Sport pundit on the money here?

Hall and Gordon are of course important players for Newcastle United but Alexander Isak is fit and set to play tonight. Whilst another massive boost is that Joelinton returned from injury last weekend and looked good in the hour he played, so he should be back to full fitness for this West Ham game as well.

The last two away matches have been tough at Man City and Liverpool but before that, Eddie Howe’s side won six in a row on the road. United scoring 16 goals and only conceding four in the away victories over Ipswich, Tottenham, Man U, Arsenal, Southampton and Birmingham.

Eddie Howe and his players won’t be playing for a draw tonight and playing against a side fifth bottom of the league, no reason why Newcastle can’t make it seven wins from their last nine away matches. The last five visits have seen Newcastle defeat West Ham three times and draw the other two at the London Stadium.

The remaining Newcastle United match schedule:

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

Sunday 16 March – Newcastle v Liverpool (4.30pm) Carabao Cup final Sky Sports

Wednesday 2 April – Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm)

Monday 7 April – Leicester v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Sunday 13 April – Newcastle v Man U (4.30pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 16 April – Newcastle v Palace (7.30pm)

Saturday 19 April – Villa v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 26 April – Newcastle v Ipswich (3pm)

Saturday 3 May – Brighton v Newcastle TBC

Saturday 10 May – Newcastle v Chelsea TBC