BBC pundit has good & bad news for NUFC ahead of crucial 24 hours in the relegation battle

Mark Lawrenson is backing Spurs to beat us by two goals to nil on Sunday – but thinks that blow will be softened by Fulham losing to Aston Villa in the 4.30pm kick off.

The former Match of the Day pundit believes our fanbase would be “laying into” the team if we were allowed inside the ground, a sentiment that is hard to deny considering our dismal 3-0 defeat at Brighton made it TWO wins in 20 last time out.

Lawro thinks the return of Son Heung-Min could be crucial, but also feels Jack Grealish’s return for Villa will see Scott Parker’s side also struggle.

Here is what he told the BBC ahead of our crunch clash with Spurs:

Newcastle badly need a lift and a win, but it is hard to see them getting either here. If fans were allowed into grounds then the Toon Army would be laying into the Magpies, and rightly so. Tottenham have had their problems recently too, but they were decent in their win over Aston Villa last time out. If Son Heung-min is fit then that will be a boost for Spurs, but I still think they will win this one without him.

Lawro’s prediction: Newcastle 0-2 Tottenham

He then had this to say about Fulham’s trip to Villa Park, believing we’ll both lose – meaning it would keep us out of the drop zone by default:

If Newcastle do drop points, Sunday is another chance for Fulham to climb out of the relegation zone – but it is a bad time to play Aston Villa because Jack Grealish is fit again. I was at Villa Park for 5 Live before the ‘international break to see Villa lose to Spurs, and they really missed Grealish – they could not get the ball up the pitch effectively without him. His return will give Dean Smith’s side a big lift, as well as giving them far more of a goal threat. Fulham need the points, but I fancy Villa to take them.

Lawro’s prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Fulham

This Spurs game is the start of a tricky run-in for us in which we play six of the top flights top nine teams before the end of the season.

A two week international break is something we needed more than anyone, with the injuries we had and the overall toxicity surrounding the club.

Without goalscorer Callum Wilson back in the mix, I do struggle to see us finding the net and fear the worst if Harry Kane is in top form – not to mention the fact Son looks set to return!

Charlie’s prediction: 0-2 Spurs

One thought on “BBC pundit has good & bad news for NUFC ahead of crucial 24 hours in the relegation battle

  1. “………….the overall toxicity surrounding the club.”

    I have not been reading this site very long but it seems you are exactly right.

    And that toxicity usually goes by the name of Charlie Bennett, Jonny Dawson and Jeff King.

      (Quote)

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