Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have both released their predictions ahead of today’s 12.30pm kick-off at St James’ Park.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson is backing us to come away with a 2-1 win. He felt we didn’t play ‘particularly well’ in our big win at Fulham and was impressed with Spurs as they beat Nottingham Forest 3-1 the day later, but he feels we’re a different beat at St James’ Park.
In his piece for the BBC, Sutton thinks it’ll be a game of goals and one between two sides desperate to win, with Newcastle pushing to overtake Man Utd in sixth and Spurs hoping to consolidate fourth spot. However, unlike Merson, he thinks Ange Postecoglou’s side will edge it 3-2.
Here’s what both have had to say ahead of the match, starting with Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson.
Paul Merson (Sportskeeda)
‘Newcastle United got a great result against Fulham but I can’t recall them playing particularly well. Tottenham, on the other hand, were outstanding against Nottingham Forest, with Micky Van de Ven showing his class at the back with another eye-catching display.
‘At St. James’ Park, I fancy Newcastle, so I’m going for a 2-1 home win. Tottenham need the points and have a bit of a nightmare run coming up, but I doubt they lose to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City. There is a result for them in that run somewhere, so I think they’ll be safe and finish above Aston Villa in the Premier League top four.’
Prediction: Newcastle 2-1 Spurs
Chris Sutton (BBC)
‘What a game this will be. I was at Newcastle’s 4-3 win over West Ham at the end of March and I am expecting a few goals this time too.
‘I didn’t see Newcastle’s win at Fulham last week coming, but it was a great result and it means they are looking up the table now, with their sights set on sixth place.
‘Tottenham’s target is to finish fourth and they won’t settle for a point here. It is going to be very close but I have got a feeling they will edge it.’
Prediction: Newcastle 2-3 Spurs
