BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United – On the money now? | OneFootball

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

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Wednesday night’s match.

Newcastle United facing Crystal Palace at St James’ Park with a 7.30pm kick-off.

The Newcastle United players knowing they will go third in the table if getting a point or better against Palace.

Whilst a win would put United in a really powerful position, five points clear of those outside the Champions League qualifying positions, with six rounds of PL matches then left to play.

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 16 April 2025:

“Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has had a really tough time and the most important thing is that he makes a speedy recovery from his illness.

“His players put in a performance to make him proud in Sunday’s win over Manchester United, and I can see them doing the same again here.

“The Magpies have won four [Premier League] games in a row and, with a top five place in their sights, I just can’t see past them winning this one too on current form, especially at home.

“It will be close though.

“Crystal Palace have picked up more points on the road this season than they have at Selhurst Park, and they caused Manchester City plenty of problems early on at the weekend.

“[Man] City fought back well to win after going 2-0 down, but we saw how Palace’s plan worked early on and how dangerous they are on the break.

“They will do the same thing this time, with their wing-backs picking their moments to spring forward, and they will certainly pose a threat even if Newcastle have most of the ball.

“I think Palace will score, but Newcastle are going to be hard to keep out.

“I’ve always been a fan of Harvey Barnes and, with his competition with Anthony Gordon on the left flank, and Jacob Murphy on the other side, they have got lots of firepower alongside Alexander Isak.

“Prediction: Newcastle 2 Crystal Palace 1”

So is the BBC Sport pundit on the money here?

I can’t disagree with much of that, if anything.

Newcastle United are eight places and 13 points better off than Palace but Oliver Glasner’s side have proved a dangerous side on many occasions.

Crystal Palace actually won four away Premier League matches in a row, against Leicester West Ham, Man U and Fulham, all with a 0-2 scoreline.

However, that was followed by almost losing at Southampton, lucky to get a 1-1 draw with an equaliser in the 92nd minute, then next away was Saturday’s dramatic 5-2 collapse at Man City after going 2-0 up.

The same as Chris Sutton, I think Newcastle will still win this. Whilst it will be interesting to see what Oliver Glasner does with his team selection.

Crystal Palace haven’t won a single major trophy in their entire history and have an FA Cup semi-final in ten days time against Villa. Before then, they have a tough Premier League schedule in facing Newcastle, Bournemouth and Arsenal in quick succession.

If they really attack full on all three of these Premier League matches, then it won’t do them any favours ahead of that Wembley clash.

As for Newcastle United, big games tonight against Palace and then away at Villa, before then a full week to prepare for Ipswich at home.