Sky Sports expert’s verdict on Newcastle United – Struggle to disagree with any of this | OneFootball

The Sky Sports column ‘Jones Knows’ has given some interesting analysis and commentary on what is currently the position at Newcastle United.

The column makes predictions on what will happen at certain Premier League matches and also debates other matters/issues at clubs as well.

However, unlike the usual ex-pro predictions, that are usually simply based on how ‘big’ a club is and whether or not they won the previous game, this one has proper analysis and insight, not lazy assumptions.

The Sky Sports ‘Jones Knows’ column looks at the matches from a betting perspective and has been concentrating on this Newcastle United game away at Ipswich.

Lewis Jones (who is the Sky Sports expert behind the ‘Jones Knows’ column) has highlighted some major underlying factors that could / should have a big bearing on this Ipswich v Newcastle game.

“Eddie Howe’s record as Newcastle boss on the road against newly-promoted teams makes his side very easy to fancy here.

“They have scored 24 goals in those eight games, conceding just five and suffering just one loss – a 1-0 reverse at Luton.

“In five of those games they managed to cover their -1 goal handicap and such are their good vibes following their recent performances against Brentford, Leicester and Liverpool, it’s worth banking on the handicap copping a return again.

“There is 15/8 with Sky Bet on offer, meaning we’ll get a payout if Newcastle win by two or more goals.

“Prediction: Ipswich 1 Newcastle 3”

Always interesting to hear what the Sky Sports expert has to say with his analysis on Newcastle United matches and as usual, some good stuff there.

Indeed, I struggle to disagree with any of this.

You can never be totally sure of anything in the Premier League but I guess that like me, a lot of other Newcastle fans will have the feeling that if NUFC start well and take the game by the scruff of the neck, then difficult not to see Eddie Howe’s team not winning.

As the Sky Sports man says, the performances, chances created and goals scored in those last three home matches, point to a side that will be very difficult for Ipswich to contain.

You add in the fact that Ipswich have the worst home record of all Premier League teams this season, not winning a single game, then it looks ever tougher for the home side. Then also adding in the fact only six goals scored at home in their eight PL home matches…

Though an extra huge blow for this game, as their best player and main hope for goals, Liam Delap, is suspended. He has scored three of those six goals at home.

This is no foregone conclusion and Newcastle will need to play well I think. After their opening two Premier League matches, the next 14 have only seen Ipswich lose by more than one goal on two occasions and none of the last eight have they done so.

There are signs they are improving and adapting, getting their first two wins at Tottenham and Wolves, plus a home draw against Man U when Ipswich had the chances to win.

I hope and expect that Newcastle United will score two or more goals and unless our defending is not up to scratch, I can’t see Ipswich scoring two or more.

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

Week commencing Monday 6 January – Arsenal v Newcastle TBC

Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

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

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

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Week commencing Monday 3 February – Newcastle v Arsenal TBC