BBC pundit Chris Sutton has provided his predictions for this weekend’s Premier League action. He is picking Newcastle to pick up a second straight victory with a 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest. Sutton also predicted a slim victory against Wolves last week.
Here is his take on the match:
Newcastle had lost a bit of ground in the race for the top four before they beat Wolves last weekend. They got a bit lucky, because Wolves could have had a penalty and their goalkeeper Nick Pope could have been sent off if it was given, but it was an important result for them.
Forest, meanwhile, were well beaten at Tottenham. Their performance was so disappointing, and they were very lucky to get a goal – they barely had an attack.
Steve Cooper’s side rely so much on their home form because their results on the road have been terrible, but it means they are under pressure to get points here, and I think that might begin to tell.
It smells a bit like a draw to me, but Newcastle need the win and Forest can’t play Chris Wood [who is on loan from the Magpies] and also have issues at the back.
Forest haven’t lost at the City Ground in the league since the middle of September but I think that run ends here.
Sutton doesn’t sound too convinced of his prediction but Newcastle will have the momentum from last weekend’s win. Forest have struggled of late without a win in their last five matches. Though they are difficult to defeat at the City Ground.
There are incentives for both sides with Newcastle keeping pace with the top four and Nottingham just 2 points above the bottom three. One potential advantage for the Magpies is that Forest have an extensive injury list.
Eddie Howe hopes to have the majority of his players available for tomorrow’s clash. He also admitted there are some players struggling with knocks. Callum Wilson has not trained this week but is expected to make the squad.
Fabian Schar has not been included in the Swiss team for the looming international break. The reason cited is a foot injury. The defender has been in training this week and the issue is unlikely to affect his availability tomorrow. He’ll get some time to rest during the break.
This is another vital match for Newcastle if Champions League hopes are still harbored. Another three points heading into the international break will go a long way in keeping Newcastle comfortably in the top third of the table.
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158 comments so far
The Taco Taker
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:19 PM
Comment #41Nicky they are fair points – if Wilson demands a move or we get a very good offer then of course he might go but that is true of anyone I think. I just don’t see the urge why he should be moved on that some seem to see. As you say he is a very good player who is a bit out of form.
sparky55
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:19 PM
Comment #42This time the morra we’ll be 3 up!
magicmac54
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:19 PM
Comment #43Munster Mag
I fully expect all 3 matches to be difficult games mate Up Luimneach HWTL
bettyswallocks
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:21 PM
Comment #44I was listening to Ally McCoist this morning on Talksport, whose opinions I respect, and he was eulogising about Osimhen from Napoli…..He said he’s been following his progress and reckons he’s the real deal , on a par with Pogba…
If we really want to progress , then an out and out beast of a striker in this mould would be a dream signing…. McCoist was suggesting Manure sign him if they want to challenge for the title next season , but why let them get him…?
Howay Mandy , if you’re reading, work your magic again and convince the board… You know it makes sense
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:24 PM
Comment #45Whoa – goal of the season from Sporting – absolute brilliant
magicmac54
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:25 PM
Comment #46The Taco Taker
Cheers for that clarification mate, but in saying that i think John J is also coming to the D&P also Taco.
The Taco Taker
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:30 PM
Comment #47Ah ok cool Magic
Ap
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:37 PM
Comment #48Yeah Taco if we fail to beat Forest I dont think we have it in us to get top 4. Even of we beat man u im not confident to get winning results in most of other games i.e. we will get less points than others. Beat Forest and momentum is ours
Ap
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:39 PM
Comment #49I said before osimhen is the best forward we should compete for. He is the best forward not currently at an elite level club
The Taco Taker
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:41 PM
Comment #50AP, Well I suppose that is one way of looking at one game at a time. So if we beat Forest and draw vs Man U we are still on track for top 4 but not vice versa?
You may have a point about momentum but everyone’s momentum gets a tad broken by the international break.
Bambams
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:52 PM
Comment #51Met Dan Burn and Jacob Murphy this morning at the training ground, Burn was straight across, fist pump.
Asked how it felt to be a Geordie playing for his home town team, stated he has to pinch himself its that great a feeling. Sported a very ‘Orange’ tracksuit 🙂
Murphy was parking his nice car up and was carrying what appeared to be a Stetson ! Maybe a bit of banter on the trip to Nottingham.
On a serious note, picked up the signed shirts for the charity (St Oswald’s hospice/cancer) and dropped them off at the picture framers, ready to be picked up a week on Saturday.
There is some major rebuild going on at the training ground as we know, the small reception is to become an office, a much grander entrance is currently under construction to the right of the current reception.
Doesn’t look like the training ground is going to be moved as quickly as we all thought.
But it’s nice seeing improvements, didn’t notice the ‘Ice-Wheelie Bins’
Three points tomorrow will do for me.
Enjoy your evening you lot.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:55 PM
Comment #52Osimhen is being linked with Arsenal I think. That seems a much more likely destination to me. Sorry to say…
Vask
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:00 PM
Comment #53Magic my friend I rarely get to a match these days so unless a miracle happens I’ll not be at that match.
Tac
That octopus was quite a good pundit. Even better than Barry venison.
Bambams
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:04 PM
Comment #54magicmac54
Hope you are well fella
I was chatting with Sparky55 this morning and the D&P was mentioned for the Southampton game, nice to see a few of the bloggers are going to be there.
We met nearer the ground the last time (Fulham) but it’s always great to catch up with the chaps/ladies.
Job allowing will see you there 🙂
Ap
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:10 PM
Comment #55My point if you cant beat Forest away are you good enough to get the possible minimum 10 wins needed out of 13 games left
Bambams
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:11 PM
Comment #56Laters you lot
Ap
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:11 PM
Comment #57All ifs but i dont see us beating man u just like i didn’t see us beat them in final
lochinvar
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:13 PM
Comment #58Sir John Hall advocated for a Sporting Club of Newcastle across football / rugby /basketball to start with. Maybe some PIF investment would help this situation.
Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Dave Walder has left his position at the club less than a year after he succeeded former boss Dean Richards.
Although he will not officially depart until the end of the season, Walder will immediately step aside to allow Mark Laycock to take on the role.
Walder, 44, formerly played for the Falcons before returning as a coach.
lochinvar
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:16 PM
Comment #59Club before Country ?
Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar has been left out of the Switzerland squad for clashes against Belarus and Israel due to injury concerns ?
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:21 PM
Comment #60Vask & Taco – seems we are aligned about Wilson that there are several players who will be out of the exit door before him, including some of the players currently out on loan.
Nicky makes a fair point that he’ll be gone if someone offers enough for him though. If Wilson really wants to be first choice and we get a decent offer for him, they’ll sell him rather than keep a player who isn’t fully motivated. Can’t see the club pushing to sell him though as that’s just another signing they have to make to replace him.
The Taco Taker
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:22 PM
Comment #61Careful AP, you might reveal something…
“You”…”Us”…pick one…
🙂
“possible minimum 10 wins needed out of 13 games left” sounds also quite pessimistic considering the other teams that still need to play each other.
The Taco Taker
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:23 PM
Comment #62Hope so Loch.
Ap
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:34 PM
Comment #63Hypothetical taco
The Taco Taker
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:37 PM
Comment #64As is it all AP.
I just would not write us off if we didn’t win vs Forest. I would hate to think that NUFCs hopes of top 4 could stand in ruins this time tomorrow.
Vask
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:46 PM
Comment #65On the squad topic.
I can’t say I’m disappointed in any of the players we have fielded regularly this season. Obviously there is still quite a lot of lower quality on our bench and wider squad.
I agree with tac where 6 players should be the maximum we replace this summer. Any more risks the squad dynamic.
I think our biggest signings will be younger English players who still have premier League experience.
If we sign foreign players they may well be some of those Ashworth gems we here so much about.
Ap
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:48 PM
Comment #66We shall see
sparky55
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:50 PM
Comment #67Well done sporting…nice to give arsenal a black eye
Vask
Mar 16, 2023 at 10:51 PM
Comment #68I think if we don’t beat forest it’s our title challenge that is well and truly over.
I still think we can finish third from our current position and I would be cockerhoop if we finished only behind man city and arsenal.
I don’t think it is the end of our top 4 hopes but I do understand Ap’s point about momentum.
Having said all that, I think the city ground hasn’t been our happiest stomping ground over the years.
I do a lot of thinking it seems…
sparky55
Mar 16, 2023 at 11:07 PM
Comment #69Im not a deep thinker…I think we’ll despatch them with ease.
Tomorrows the game it all comes together and forest are unlucky they’re next in line
The Taco Taker
Mar 16, 2023 at 11:10 PM
Comment #70Vask the thing is momentum always changes in some ways after an international break.
I just don’t get the logic that if we win vs Forest then draw vs Man U we are apparently on track for top 4 but switch those two results and apparently we are screwed.
I do get that ideally we beat Forest regardless as of course it would be daft not to want a win. But I won’t declare our top 4 hopes to be over if we didnt. But then I would not think it was the end of the World if we don’t make top 4.
I am highly confident we will be in Europe next season. To me that is already progress. To some that is apparently a tragic scenario that will hold us back unless it is CL!!
A little perspective is a good thing I think.
I am sure there are poeple here that if they won the Euromillions lottery their immediate response would be “it wasn’t even a rollover!”
Vask
Mar 16, 2023 at 11:10 PM
Comment #71As long as you despatch your avocado on toast for brekkie we’ll be alreet sparks.
The Taco Taker
Mar 16, 2023 at 11:15 PM
Comment #72As an aside I am increasingly frustrated by Southgate.
To me he is increasingly contradicting things he has said before. I think he is a busted flush now.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 16, 2023 at 11:20 PM
Comment #73The Forest result won’t decide our season either way, it’s just 1 game. We could lose it but then win our next 8 games or we could win it and then lose our next 4 games.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 16, 2023 at 11:24 PM
Comment #74I don’t have a problem with Southgate’s squad. It’s a good squad packed with experience.
Bit surprised that the 2 lads in Italy keep getting overlooked to be honest but I’m not really seeing any outstanding candidates that didn’t get selected. I don’t really see the point in dropping a quality player just because he isn’t playing often for his club and selecting a worse player who is playing regularly. If the former player is still better, then he’s better.
Vask
Mar 16, 2023 at 11:29 PM
Comment #75Indeed tac
Momentum does indeed be like water.
The scenario in your second para is, as alluded to, hypothetical . It was to perhaps highlight your perspective point. I am not one for predicting absolutes myself but I can see APs point. Phsychologically speaking if you can’t beat both Notts Forest at their gaff and manpü at home, have you the mental strength to compete for the top 4?
I can also see from the perspective of your euromillions winners. £121million is quite a lot different to a paltry £7mil. £7mil could buy you Gateshead FC but it may not be enough to achieve facilitating the first ever competitive Tyne Tyne derby without some serious money balling.
I do agree that we are likely to qualify for Europe and that we have progressed so far since the takeover. Even if we missed out on European competition we reached a final and finished in the top 10. That is a good season for us.
Vask
Mar 16, 2023 at 11:33 PM
Comment #76I still struggle to come up with ny kind of feeling towards the England national team and Gareth Southgate.
I can watch their matches but any sort of emotional investment I had in them went belly up in 96. Southgate should never have taken that paper bag off his heed.
The Taco Taker
Mar 16, 2023 at 11:48 PM
Comment #77Vask, all good points and well put.
To be fair I don’t eat at Pizza Hut for a wide variety of reasons.
🙂
TDS, I wasn’t critising Southgates squad as such. I just notice that he in some ways is increasingly inconsistent but in other way consistent. That combined with when you look at him he looks broken. Just my opinion.
Having said all that I have Man Flu and can’t sleep properly or think straight for 2 days now so even I am not convinced my opinion is worth much.
Vask
Mar 16, 2023 at 11:54 PM
Comment #78Tac
Thanks for getting that reference.
Also the second part of your last paragraph sounds like enlightenment to me.
Namast-ay. 🙂
JohnJ
Mar 17, 2023 at 12:06 AM
Comment #79Missed the bus!
Well here we are,
Happy St Patrick’s Day to our friends from over the wee pond!
The Emerald Isle is awash with Leprechauns and Guinness!
🙂
The Taco Taker
Mar 17, 2023 at 12:07 AM
Comment #80Vask,
I hope I can sleep. If I can’t I might just get a candle out (well placed so it does not become a fire hazard) and stare at it for a while to rejuvenate my eyes.