Sky Sports expert’s verdict on Newcastle United – Hoping to prove him wrong | 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 at home to Aston Villa.

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 Newcastle v Aston Villa game.

“Game of the day material this one, involving two top teams on the back of impressive results.

“They’ll both be hoping to motor towards the top four spots over the next few months as one looks up for grabs with Manchester City’s demise, Tottenham’s troubles and Manchester United’s mediocrity.

“If Villa play with their same swagger in midfield as they did against Manchester City then the 11/4 with Sky Bet on an away win could turn out to be a cracking bet.

“The axis of Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara with Youri Tielemans playing advanced worked a charm with Tielemans especially flourishing in that role. His output this season has been excellent – he’s got six assists already and Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer have created more chances than him this season (39). It’s 4/1 with Sky Bet he grabs another assist.

“Score prediction: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 2”

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.

Any of the outcomes to this match are possible, both teams with dangerous players and very good midfields.

What is also important though is to remember that the Sky Sports pundit is always looking at Premier League matches based on the bookies odds.

He is never going to recommend backing say Newcastle United today to win, when they are odds on to do so.

If the man from Sky Sports was simply asked who is more likely to win, then I’m sure it would be Newcastle today. However, you can understand why he is tipping Villa at the odds, after they’ve won their last three home Premier League matches (Brentford, Southampton, Man City).

What our Sky Sports mate fails to mention though, is just how woeful Villa’s PL away form has been. They have won only one PL away game since August and in their last four on the road, Villa have lost all four, conceding 11 goals and scoring only two.

Eddie Howe’s side have certainly rediscovered their shooting boots and with 13 goals scored in their last four matches (all competitions, home and away), the prediction of United to score only once at home today looks suspect.

Indeed, the reality is that the St James’ Park form has been outstanding under Eddie Howe

In these last 37 months since Eddie Howe came in, only seven English clubs have won at St James’ Park, they are Man City (x2), Arsenal, Cambridge, Forest, Liverpool (x3), West Ham and Brighton.

Aston Villa of course haven’t won at St James’ Park since 2005, when Newcastle went down to nine men. The last time Villa won at SJP when United finished with 11 men, was 35 years ago.

Under Eddie Howe, the three Villa matches at St James’ Park have seen a trio of victories, ten goals scored, just one conceded.

All of these factors make Newcastle United clear favourites today. You might not make your fortune by backing them to do so BUT if NUFC can match recent levels, then with fair luck we will win today.

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

Tuesday 7 January – Arsenal v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports and ITV1 and ITVX

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)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports