Newcastle United are back in action at St James’ Park in a few hours, taking on Leeds in tonight’s 8.15pm kick-off in the Premier League.
It’s a big opportunity to close in on the top five and make it three wins in a row for the first time this season, but how do the pundits see the game going?
Paul Merson “wasn’t really impressed” by our performance in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Crystal Palace and is backing an in-form Leeds side to get another point, having drawn five and won two of their last seven league games.
Chris Sutton is backing Newcastle to secure another 2-0 victory, feeling we’ll be boosted by our first clean sheet since October over the weekend and have too much for Leeds under the lights at St James’ Park; where we’ve won nine and drawn two of our last 11 games.
Paul Merson (Sportkeeda)
“Leeds are doing really well. They’re nicking points in difficult games when West Ham are failing to win easier matches. It’s a huge boost to Leeds’ aspirations of avoiding relegation.
“Newcastle weren’t great the other day. Even though they won 2-0 against Crystal Palace, I wasn’t really impressed by the performance. I was surprised that Nick Woltemade did not come off the bench quicker in that game. Newcastle were up against a back three and he would have been useful from the start.
“Considering the way both teams are playing, I wouldn’t be surprised if Leeds got something out of this game. I’m going for an entertaining draw here.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Leeds
Chris Sutton (BBC Sport)
“Newcastle not only got three points against Palace at the weekend, they kept their first clean sheet in the league since the start of October.
“Leeds have gone seven games unbeaten, including a deserved draw in the north-east against Sunderland, and they will be full of confidence.
“These two sides drew 0-0 at Elland Road in August but there will definitely be goals this time. I always back Newcastle at home, so why should I change now? The only thing I’m unsure about here is whether Leeds will score.
“I’m going to say they won’t, so stand by for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to find the net again, probably in stoppage time.”
Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Leeds
We are predicting a 2-1 win for Newcastle.
Leeds haven’t lost since a 3-2 defeat at Man City back in November and they’ll be no pushovers. But with momentum slowly coming back and our home form quietly impressive, I think we’ll find a way to win once again.
Howay the lads!
