Chris Sutton does not see Newcastle United losing against Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Eddie Howe’s side travel to Selhurst Park in search of a response, after Newcastle United lost to West Ham on Monday.
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It was a really disappointing night for Newcastle United, who were expected to beat the Hammers. But Newcastle were not clever enough in and around the box, as West Ham produced the perfect away performance.
Now the Magpies need to bounce back, at a stadium where their form is not brilliant. Newcastle have not scored at Selhurst Park since October 2021, with Callum Wilson scoring their last goal in South London.
He will be fit to feature on Saturday, with Wilson making his return from injury against West Ham. He will hope to net his first goal of the season, as he aims to earn a new contract at St James’ Park.
Callum Wilson of Newcastle United scores their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Newcastle United at Sel…
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Paul Merson has predicted a draw between Newcastle and Crystal Palace, and Chris Sutton is in agreement.
As part of his weekly BBC Sport column, the former Chelsea striker has tipped the Magpies and the Eagles to play out a score draw.
“Crystal Palace have still only won one league game all season, against Tottenham at the end of October,” he said.
“The Eagles got a good point at Aston Villa last weekend but their manager Oliver Glasner definitely needs more than that to provide some early Christmas cheer.
“I am not sure Glasner will get much joy here, though. Although I did not expect Newcastle lose at home to West Ham on Monday, I would not be surprised to see them bounce back.
“This smells of a draw to me, because I do not see Newcastle losing.”
Sutton’s prediction: Crystal Palace 1 Newcastle United 1
What a draw would mean for Newcastle United
On Monday night, Newcastle passed up the chance to go two points behind Manchester City. It was a remarkable opportunity that Eddie Howe’s side squandered.
The defeat has left them 10th in what is a very congested Premier League, with every point pivotal as we hurtle towards the halfway stage.
A draw would not really do Newcastle any favours. It could lift them higher in the table, while it could also result in them being overtaken.
The best case scenario this weekend would be Newcastle winning and rising up to sixth in the league.
The worst case scenario would be a defeat at Selhurst Park, which could see the Magpies drop as low as 14th if other results go against them.
That just shows how tight the Premier League is right now, and why it is vital that Newcastle United put a run of good results together as they aim to challenge for a place in next season’s Champions League.
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