Michael Owen and Mark Lawrenson have predicted contrasting results for us ahead of tonight’s clash with Leeds – but neither believe Newcastle will win.
Both sides represent a different footballing philosophy, with Leeds’ attacking style earning themselves and manager Marcel Bielsa plenty of praise in the media. However, it is us and Steve Bruce’s cautious NUFC who sit three points above the Yorkshire club in the table with a game in hand.
Here’s what both have had to say, starting with Lawro’s prediction for the BBC:
“Leeds are naive at the back and that is going to cost them at times this season.
“Yes, they created some good opportunities against West Ham on Friday night but the flipside of that was that the Hammers were able to play right through them.
“I don’t see this Newcastle side doing that to them though, so it might just come down to whether Marcelo Bielsa’s team can take their chances this time.”
Lawro’s prediction: 2-0 Leeds
Ex-Mag Michael Owen then had this to say in his prediction for Bet Victor, with him backing both teams to score in a 1-1 draw:
“Leeds took the lead against West Ham but came away empty handed after a late Angelo Ogbonna header ensured the points were heading back to East London.
“It’s now 1 win in 6 matches for Marcelo Bielsa’s side with home form a big concern. Newcastle got there in the end against West Brom. They left it late but will be happy to get a result after a couple of chaotic weeks.
“Interestingly, the Magpies have lost only once on the road this season.
“That said, I don’t think there’s much between these two, and I think Leeds should have enough here to get a point.”
Owen’s prediction: 1-1
If there were a style of play that would be the kryptonite to Bielsa’s gung-ho style, it could Bruce’s Newcastle that often sit deep and look to strike on the counter.
We have been decent on the road so far this season and go into the game in good form and relatively fresh having had a small winter break of our own due to COVID.
It’s a shame that this game will be played without fans as Leeds away in the Premier League for the first time in 14 years would have definitely been one to get tickets for. I’m feeling cautiously optimistic.
Charlie’s prediction: 1-0 Newcastle
Follow us on Twitter (@NUFCBlogcouk) and on Facebook HERE
