Chris Sutton has provided a very interesting prediction for Newcastle United’s game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe needs three points to strengthen his European aspirations, with Newcastle United currently sixth in the Premier League. That will be enough to secure European football, be it Europa League or Europa Conference League.
But there is belief that Newcastle could even finish as high as fifth, but only if they pick up as many points as possible from their remaining six games.
First up is Crystal Palace, who are in form after beating Liverpool and West Ham. Oliver Glasner’s side were massively impressive, although the new Palace boss is wary of Newcastle and how fresh they will be on Wednesday.
That could play a factor, but Chris Sutton does not believe it will be decisive during the game at Selhurst Park.
Chris Sutton predicts the score of Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United
Chris Sutton has predicted the results and scores for the midweek Premier League fixtures as part of his BBC Sport column.
He has actually tipped Newcastle United to lose against Crystal Palace, predicting a 2-1 win for the home side.
“Crystal Palace will be buzzing off the back of their big win over West Ham on Sunday,” he said.
“Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise sparkled again alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta up front and having those two back fit has been huge for new Eagles boss Oliver Glasner in terms of increasing his side’s attacking threat.
“Newcastle have found a bit of form recently too, but I fancy Palace to edge it. They look completely safe from relegation now so they can play with a bit of freedom, but Eze and Olise will make the difference.”
Newcastle and Palace looking for the same thing on Wednesday
Chris Sutton believes Palace will be victorious on Wednesday, which would mean the Eagles recording a hat-trick of Premier League victories. That is not something they have done all season, with Palace’s last three consecutive victories coming in April last year.
But Newcastle are also searching for three wins in a row, having beaten Fulham and Tottenham in their previous two games.
The Magpies have only won three Premier League games on the bounce once all season, when they beat Sheffield United, Brentford and Burnley at the beginning of the campaign.
Newcastle want a third consecutive clean sheet
Eddie Howe is also searching for a hat-trick of clean sheets, which would be quite the achievement given Newcastle’s defensive struggles this season.
We have not been the same team at the back since Nick Pope‘s injury, with Martin Dubravka altering the way we play. While he is a decent shot-stopper, he can not sweep up danger like Pope can, and it has been to Newcastle’s detriment.
He will be desperate to get that third consecutive clean sheet, but the main priority has to be three points. – even if Chris Sutton does think that it will be Palace who are celebrating come full time.
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