Mark Lawrenson is backing us to beat Southampton 2-0 today in his weekly prediction piece for the BBC.
The former Liverpool defender believes now is a good time to play the Saints following their 9-0 drubbing at the hands of Man Utd this week.
We go into the game badly out of form having lost nine out of our last 11 games. However, performance levels have been noticeably improved over 75% our last two fixtures with Bruce (or is that Graeme Jones?) showing more attacking intent while in possession.
Here is what Lawrenson said about today’s game:
“This is probably a good time to play Southampton, who are short of available players even though the red card Jan Bednarek received near the end of Tuesday’s 9-0 defeat at Old Trafford was overturned.
“I was there for BBC Radio 5 live and, although Saints didn’t capitulate until the last few minutes, it was a horrible night for them which will have taken a lot out of their players too, because they worked extremely hard.
“Newcastle lost at home to Crystal Palace in midweek but they were pretty lively, and kept up the more ambitious approach that saw them win at Everton last weekend.
“More of the same should see the Magpies get some reward here, after taking only two points from their previous five home league games.”
Lawro’s prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Southampton
A win would give us some much-needed breathing space from that dreaded drop zone, with Newcastle currently sitting eight points off Fulham having played a game more.
We should have won against Palace on Tuesday, and if we can play in a similar manner as we did in that first half against a shaky Southampton today, I am positive that we can get the win that we need.
Charlie’s prediction: Newcastle 2-1
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