BBC Sport pundit weighs in with Newcastle United analysis – Difficult to disagree with any of this? | OneFootball

Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of  Saturday’s game at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players looking to bounce back.

Having started the season with four wins (in all competitions) and a draw, NUFC losing last weekend at Craven Cottage.

Now just the small matter of reigning champions Manchester City up next.

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 26 September 2024:

“Newcastle’s performances have not been there all season but they have been picking up results, most of the time.

“They could have gone top for a few hours last weekend, had they not lost at Fulham after a disappointing performance.

“They have given Manchester City a good game at St James’ Park in the past couple of years but, given their current form and the fact they are yet to click, I am not sure this game will be as close.

“City are without Rodri but I still think they will win comfortably. Of course they will miss him, but they have players who are capable of stepping in.

“Prediction: Newcastle United 1 Manchester City 3”

Difficult to disagree with any of that from Chris Sutton?

Well, as the BBC Sport pundit points out, key midfielder Rodri is missing, with Pep Guardiola admitting he is irreplaceable. Man City also set to be missing De Bruyne, Bobb and Ake.

Though as their win over Watford in midweek made clear, even without that quartet there are still countless options for Guardiola. He made nine changes from the Arsenal match but those coming in included, Foden, Lewis, Stones, Nunes, Grealish…

The man from BBC Sport also correctly points out that Newcastle United have given Man City a game at St James’ Park under Eddie Howe.

The last three visits seeing a 3-3 draw, a 1-0 win and a 3-2 defeat.

The two games that Newcastle United didn’t win against Man City on these three occasions, had seen United go 3-1 and 2-1 up respectively.

Haaland doing the damage in that 3-3 game, whilst it was the quality of Kevin De Bruye off the bench that saw him equalise on 74 minutes in January and then a brilliant pass in the 92nd minute to Bobb for the cruel winner. A match where Newcastle were down to the bare bones and no options off the bench to try and help stem that late Man City charge.

Newcastle United now do have better numbers, despite a handful of first team squad players still missing.

The question is whether they can raise their game and get back to the kind of form we know they are capable of.

Stating the obvious but that is what you need against Manchester City if you are going to have a chance of getting anything.

We know the quality that will be facing us, now just a question if all pulling together, Eddie Howe and the NUFC players and fans can do enough to unsettle them and then take the chances when they come.

Two superb goals from Isak and Gordon in January, very welcome if they can repeat that quality finishing tomorrow.

Newcastle United upcoming match schedule, confirmed to end of November:

Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports

Tuesday 1 October 2024 – AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (To be played at St James’ Park)

Saturday 5 October – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 19 October – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)

Sunday 27 October – Chelsea v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

W/C Monday 28 October – AFC Wimbledon or Newcastle v Chelsea

Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 10 November – Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports