“What on earth is happening?” – BBC pundit fears for Newcastle United

In his latest prediction piece for BBC Sport, Chris Sutton has shared his thoughts on the transfer ‘uncertainty’ on Tyneside and Saturday’s FA Cup trip to Fulham.

He asks “what on earth is happening at Newcastle?” after reading reports that we’re looking to sell half our team. Kieran Trippier had been tipped to join Bayern Munich – who have now agreed to sign Sacha Boey instead – while Callum Wilson, Miguel Almiron and Jamaal Lascelles have also been linked with moves away.

Sutton “feels sorry” for Eddie Howe, believing the “uncertainty” around so many of his players won’t be helping behind the scenes. As a result, he fears we’ll be knocked out at Craven Cottage, backing Fulham to beat us 2-1.

Here’s what he’s had to say ahead of tonight’s 7pm kick-off live on ITV4:

“What on earth is happening at Newcastle? I keep reading reports that they are about to sell half their team.

“I feel sorry for Magpies boss Eddie Howe because of the uncertainty over the future of some of his key players, but I don’t see things going well for him at Craven Cottage either.

“Fulham are the kind of team who can turn it on at times, and they are going to throw everything they’ve got at Newcastle.”

Sutton’s prediction: Fulham 2-1 Newcastle 

Personally, I back us to win. Fulham have had to play a two-legged semi-final against Liverpool over the past week, while we’ve been able to resume normal training, recover and prepare for a vital game in our season.

Hopefully Sutton has got this one run and we’re into the last 16 come 9pm tonight! If not, a draw and replay at St James’ Park – when we could have a few back from injury – wouldn’t be the worst result.