BBC Sport pundit weighs in with his Newcastle United analysis – On the money? | OneFootball

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

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of Monday night’s match at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe and his Newcastle United players looking to build on the excellent performances and wins against Chelsea, Arsenal and Forest.

Newcastle hosting West Ham, with Julen Lopetegui currently rated by the bookies as most likely the next PL boss to lose his job.

Chris Sutton talking to BBC Sport – 8 November 2024:

“It feels to me like Southampton’s Russell Martin is the manager who is closest to the edge at the moment but West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is probably not too far behind him.

“I was at this game last season, when Newcastle won 4-3 after being 3-1 down, and it was probably one of the results that meant Lopetegui’s predecessor, David Moyes, was not offered a new deal.

“I think Hammers fans have been underwhelmed by what they’ve seen since Lopetegui arrived, because it is not working out under him. As I’ve said before, I don’t quite know what kind of team they are trying to be.

“I don’t see them getting any joy at St James’ Park this time, either.

“Alexander Isak looked back to his best when Newcastle beat Forest last time out, and they should be too strong for West Ham too.

“Prediction: Newcastle 2 West Ham 1”

So is the BBC Sport man on the money with his comments?

Well like pretty much every other ‘expert’, Chris Sutton didn’t predict wins for Newcastle recently. He had NUFC losing at Forest and drawing at home to Arsenal.

All the predictions I have seen for Monday night, from the BBC Sport man and the rest, are all going home win.

If Newcastle United play like they have done these last three matches, including Chelsea in the cup, it is difficult to see West Ham avoiding defeat.

In all competitions, Newcastle have now played 14, won eight, drawn three and lost three, scoring 17 and conceding 12.

West Ham started off ok and won two of their opening three matches (all competitions).

However, their next 10 games have brought five defeats, three draws and just two wins. In those last 10 matches, scoring 11 and conceding 22.

Losing 3-0 at Forest and a goalles draw at home to Everton, make West Ham look vulnerable.

With Newcastle United now back to playing with such an intensity and high press when possible, hopefully Monday night can see it become four wins in a row for NUFC.

Newcastle United upcoming matches confirmed to end of January 2025:

Monday 25 November – Newcastle v West Ham (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 30 November – Crystal Palace v Newcastle (3pm)

Wednesday 4 December – Newcastle v Liverpool (7.30pm) Amazon

Saturday 7 December – Brentford v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 14 December – Newcastle v Leicester (3pm)

Wednesday 18 December – Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (Carabao Cup)

Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports