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
JohnJ
Mar 17, 2023 at 12:41 AM
Comment #81The Taco Taker
Mar 16, 2023 at 9:15 PM
Comment #40
Magic, no mate I was referring to a different meeting in Whitley with The Pug and the Rabbit which John J and I are attending. Everyone that does not come in the hope of punching one of us is of course welcome.
Errrrrr TTT – I don’t fancy getting smacked in the gob!
Looking forward to meeting some fellow Toon fans and it’ll be the day after another birthday for me as well.
🙂
JohnJ
Mar 17, 2023 at 12:44 AM
Comment #82Ah well let’s hope it’s a brilliant St Patrick’s day for all our Irish Friends and we pick up another 3 points for all NUFC Fans eh?
Time for some Shut eye!
🙂
🙂
Dean0
Mar 17, 2023 at 1:07 AM
Comment #83This is the team i wish and hope Newcastle can one day have, and its certainly not out of the question in the near future. a extremely strong starting 11, followed by an impressive bench
pope
Frimpong/Trippier Tapsoba/schar Botman Tierney
Joelinton Bruno
Maddison
Diaby Isak Maxi
Bench
Willock
Thuram
Longstaff
Targett
Gordon
Zeballos
Karius
lesh
Mar 17, 2023 at 4:51 AM
Comment #84A little song for all you Irish folk who can’t be where they want to be to enjoy St Pats….
https://youtu.be/ReW9uUYm-DA
Not another deJong
Mar 17, 2023 at 5:31 AM
Comment #85Happy Guinness day!
https://mobile.twitter.com/nufcconceptkits/status/1634639105001660417/photo/1
Not another deJong
Mar 17, 2023 at 5:45 AM
Comment #86Forests two highest scoring players are both out and Wood can not start. Whilst they have plenty of back up, we must fancy our chances of keeping a clean sheet and not losing at least. With Isak forging ahead in the goal scoring department and capable substitutes, a good away win has definitely got to be on the cards……& don’t forget Mother’s Day (your turn to do tea).
Not another deJong
Mar 17, 2023 at 5:56 AM
Comment #87Can Diaby be converted into a high pressing machine??
https://mobile.twitter.com/btsportfootball/status/1636460301829677074
Not another deJong
Mar 17, 2023 at 6:03 AM
Comment #88I feel much the same about Maddison, especially when Howe says Isak can not play 90 minutes in this team. The likes of Willock n Longstaff are grafters, but what does that mean for players that rely more on their technical ability. Whilst ‘star’ players are always attractive options, I get the impression young energetic types that can develop into future stars are potentially more likely, if a little bit more long term. But hey, I am sure the transfer team have their eyes out for both.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 17, 2023 at 6:03 AM
Comment #89I wonder what Ryan Fraser has done so wrong that he’s got himself in the dog house like that. I think he’s spat the dummy over not being picked ahead of Murphy.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 17, 2023 at 6:05 AM
Comment #90Nadj,
From what we understand they’ve already put three bids in for him, they mustn’t be too worried about that.
Not another deJong
Mar 17, 2023 at 6:07 AM
Comment #91UECL FINAL 8 CONFIRMED…
Lech Poznan
Fiorentina
Basel
Nice
Anderlecht
Gent
West Ham
AZ Alkmaar
Judging by the likely opposition, next seasons European Cup is in the bag!
Not another deJong
Mar 17, 2023 at 6:09 AM
Comment #92Raj
Maddison or Diaby, or both?!?
Not another deJong
Mar 17, 2023 at 6:14 AM
Comment #93But I agree the professionals at the club know better than me.
Zhongguo Geordie
Mar 17, 2023 at 6:15 AM
Comment #94Surely Maddison’s injuries will be a worry if we’re asking him to increase his workrate.
Not another deJong
Mar 17, 2023 at 6:30 AM
Comment #95Europa would be a much more tasty affair:
Sporting Lisbon
Feyenoord
Juventus
Manchester United
Roma
Sevilla
Union Saint-Gilloise
Bayer Leverkusen
But maybe a domestic trophy is the first step?
sparky55
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:12 AM
Comment #96ZG…thats a very good point mate…Madders is anything but a presser…he’s a floater ( sorry…poor choice of words) and that really doesnt fit the Howe model.
I do like Madders, but if you did sign him, you could never have ASM and Madders in the same team as there would be no press whatsoever.
sparky55
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:17 AM
Comment #97Vask…still no avocado’s out here but last week I changed the matchday breakfast to scrambled eggs with fresh swedish salmon with chilli flakes and suggested Isak woukd leap like a salmon to score…and so it came to be…therefore the new matchday breakfast menu is firmly in place!
Vask
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:39 AM
Comment #98Sparks
I’d say perhaps it’s the chili flakes’ time to score but Clarence Acuña is retired from football.
Let’s hope the ritual keeps up its success rate.
sparky55
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:44 AM
Comment #99Vask…the poached eggs and advocado bombed at the final so it was time for a change anyway.
Positive change is good!
Munster Mag
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:44 AM
Comment #100Sparky will the salmon be a leapin’ tonight?
Where are u at the moment, with no Avocados “out here”?
Vask
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:46 AM
Comment #101Nadj
I like the look of the destinations better in the conference league.
Went to gent when we played Zulte Waregem in Glen Roeder’s day. A really beautiful medieval town and a Friday bootsale/market in the square. Pubs close when the last people leave.
sparky55
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:49 AM
Comment #102Munster…I will be when we score for sure!
Just Portugal mate…dont know why but cant get ’em…no matter though…plenty swedish salmon! 😉 😉
Munster Mag
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:49 AM
Comment #103Good point about the final
As for that Europa League, could be very hard. Man U were comfortable against us in the final.
We need a minimum of 3 purples to get us deep into that tournament.
Interesting re Maddison and his strength to press. The hardest press comes from the front 3, so he might get away with it. But I don’t think Maxi will be here next season so we can easily carry Maddison.
Vask
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:49 AM
Comment #104Sparks
Always good to adapt and evolve. I stopped my 1-1 ritual around about that time too. Haven’t come up with a viable new ritual yet. My lucky socks also failed me and my retro toon top so I’m between superstitions at the moment.
Munster Mag
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:50 AM
Comment #105Nice one Sparky, love the place, but only done the Algarve, although many times. Did someone mention Cascais?
Ty21
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:51 AM
Comment #106Raj of Hailsley
Most likely throwing tantrum for game time, uninterested in training? Even ASM have no issues with selections.
Vask
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:52 AM
Comment #107Munster
Are you Llambias, are you Llambias, are you Llambias in disguise?
Are you Llam- bias in this guise?!
scott
Mar 17, 2023 at 7:52 AM
Comment #108Absolutely terrible reaction by the people of Paris last night to finding out that jail is popping over for a visit!
Totally OTT in my opinion!
;p 😀
sparky55
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:02 AM
Comment #109Munster…yes as it happens…but never made the trip yet…we’re off to Lisbon for a couple of nights on sunday though…love it there
sparky55
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:03 AM
Comment #110And cascais just north of Lisbon so might pop up
clinath@ed
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:10 AM
Comment #111Vieira sacked as Palace manager
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:13 AM
Comment #112Interesting.
Viera gone.
https://twitter.com/HLTCO/status/1636639153885519876?s=19
Munster Mag
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:14 AM
Comment #113Happy St Patrick’s Day to you all. I will be in a parade with my u13 football boys today, but hopefully get it over with quickly and nip in somewhere for a Guinness. Bonkers day because we Irish get to market the hell out of ourselves all over the world by turning rivers and famous landmarks worldwide, green! 🙂
Munster Mag
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:14 AM
Comment #114Big news Clinath and Jail.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:18 AM
Comment #115Not sure what this is about.
https://twitter.com/NUFC360/status/1636397566035124227?s=19
Vask
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:18 AM
Comment #116Seems silly to sack vierra when he has Palace performing exactly how you would expect.
Saying that they have been having trouble putting the ball in the net so perhaps a new coach can address that.
Still, a midtable counter attacking team that occasionally flirts with relegation is how I see Palace. Exactly where vierra has them.
dazzler
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:18 AM
Comment #117Seems a bit harsh on Viera but then you’d think Palace should be doing a lot better than they are. Then again, technically Fulham and Brentford should be doing a lot worse than they are which really blows the relegation scrap wide open.
I’m just glad that we aren’t in it this year.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:21 AM
Comment #118From the comments it seems like they think a new manager bounce will see them over the line. I think there’s more to it than results and he’s not happy with lack of ambition. I think he’ll do well elsewhere.
dazzler
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:21 AM
Comment #119Raj,
Is Saturday Night Takeaway not back on the telly box, and something to do with that maybe?
dazzler
Mar 17, 2023 at 8:24 AM
Comment #120Raj,
Last season they looked a really decent side under Viera. They played good football, and everything seemed to gel. Maybe losing Gallagher due to his loan deal ending and not getting in an able bodied replacement has cost them this season. They are still a difficult team to beat, they just don’t have that same spark as last year.