Sky Sports’ Charlie Nicholas believes Newcastle will ‘surprise everybody’ one week, and he’s backing that to happen on Sunday with a 2-1 win over Man Utd.
With this latest prediction in mind, I’ve noticed a theme has emerged, with every each pundit who releases weekly predictions backing us to get a result this weekend (Nicholas 2-1, Lawrenson 1-1, Owen draw).
Let’s hope that’s a positive sign and not a Paul Merson-esque curse come Sunday night!
Here’s what he’s had to say during his latest set of Premier League predictions for Sky Sports:
“Steve Bruce goes up against his old team – it is an intriguing one.
“The last time Newcastle were at home, they were dreadful. You have to give the fans something at home, they are an amazing bunch of supporters.
“Manchester United are sitting in 10th with two wins in seven, scrambling for points at home. There is a lot of demands in place but Solskjaer has his plan for the youth and the club. His vision will take time.
“One week, Newcastle will surprise everybody, and this may be this week.
“If they hit them and are aggressive, they can shock Manchester United.”
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Man Utd
In a strange way, I do agree that this game is an ‘intriguing one’.
It may be an absolutely dire watch for a neutral – with both sides failing to have a single shot on target in their last game – however it looks set to be a battle of two out of sorts sides in desperate need of points, with both managers under huge pressure coming into it.
A part of me feels hopeful that this will be the game where we finally see a response after last weekend’s unacceptable display, with a flat Man Utd side looking there for the taking right now, however the other part of me questions Bruce’s tactics and his ability to set us up at both ends of the pitch.
As a result, a draw seems like the most likely outcome to me, but let’s hope Nicholas’ predictions comes true!
