Newcastle United are in a false position according to Chris Sutton.
While the Magpies have picked up back-to-back wins over the past few days, they are still in the bottom half of the Premier League.
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Following Newcastle’s win over Leicester City, Eddie Howe’s side are 12th in the Premier League table after 16 games. That is simply not good enough for a team that needs to be back in Europe.
But the league is so congested that the Magpies can climb the table with a few more wins, while they also have a Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal to look forward to in early 2025.
For now, Newcastle United will focus on their Premier League commitments, as they aim to make it a hat-trick of wins at the expense of Ipswich Town.
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali (8) celebrates scoring his side’s second goal with teammates during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Ne…
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Paul Merson says Newcastle will beat Ipswich Town, and Chris Sutton agrees.
As part of his Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, Sutton has tipped the Magpies to be victorious at Portman Road, insisting that Ipswich Town will not get their first home win of the season on Saturday.
“Maybe I should mention Mr Fields – an Ipswich fan who teaches my daughter – every week so the Tractor Boys stand a better chance of winning?” he wrote.
“It worked for them last week, when they beat Wolves, but I am not sure it will have the same effect this time.
“The strength of the Premier League means the table is so congested at the moment, with only six points separating Nottingham Forest in fourth, and Manchester United in 13th.
“Newcastle are 12th and have been very average at times, but they strike me as being a team who are in a false position, compared to what they are capable of.
“The busy Christmas period could change the look of the table dramatically, and a couple of wins could catapult someone towards the top four.
“Could that team be Newcastle? Yes, if they click, and I definitely fancy them here. Ipswich have not won at home yet this season and I don’t see that changing this weekend.”
Sutton’s prediction: Ipswich Town 1 Newcastle United 2
Newcastle United must take advantage of Ipswich Town’s home record
Sutton believes Newcastle can march towards the top four with some positive results over the festive period.
That will be tough, as Eddie Howe’s side have some challenging fixtures on the horizon.
But Newcastle suddenly have a bit of momentum, having won two crucial games in a row. Newcastle’s attitude was questioned for only getting up for games against the ‘big six’, and Howe’s players have responded with two excellent performances against Leicester and Brentford.
Now they need to build on that and make it three wins in a row against Ipswich Town. On paper, Newcastle are massive favourites, but their away record has been iffy this season.
However, Newcastle must take confidence from the fact that Ipswich are yet to win a league game at home this season. While they have been involved in entertaining clashes with Aston Villa and Manchester United, they are yet to pick up all three points at Portman Road. The Magpies must ensure that trend continues.
In terms of team news, Joelinton is suspended for Newcastle. That will force Eddie Howe to make a change in midfield, with Sean Longstaff predicted to start in his place.
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