BBC pundit predicts Newcastle United v Watford

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Newcastle United host Watford in the Premier League this afternoon.

Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Newcastle United will draw 1-1 at home with Watford in the Premier League this evening.

The Magpies head into the game having lost in their last three outings, losing to Burnley, Bournemouth and Manchester United whilst scoring just once and conceding six times.

Newcastle off-field situation – regarding a possible takeover – is well-documented right now, but manager Rafael Benitez must focus on on-field matters this afternoon.

Newcastle need to get back to winning ways quickly, but they face a tough task against a dangerous Watford side this afternoon.

Marco Silva has impressed with the Hornets since taking over during the summer, and after three straight defeats, Watford bounced back to winning ways last Sunday with a 2-0 home win over West Ham United.

Silva continues to be linked with a move to Premier League rivals Everton, but his focus is on Watford right now, and he will be hoping for another away win this afternoon.

Ahead of the game, pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he was ‘very impressed’ with Watford’s display against West Ham last week, praising their ideas going forward.

However, Lawrenson added that Newcastle can’t afford to lose again, and he is predicting a 1-1 draw this afternoon, noting that Newcastle taking the lead at Manchester United last weekend may have been a mistake.

“I was very impressed by Watford after watching them beat West Ham,” said Lawrenson. “The Hornets use the ball well, especially down the flanks, and they have plenty of ideas when they come forward. Newcastle’s mistake against Manchester United was probably taking the lead. They did create another very good chance when they were 1-0 up, but Jacob Murphy missed it, and they were well beaten in the end.”

“That made it three defeats on the spin for the Magpies, and I do not think their manager Rafael Benitez will want to risk a fourth. I am expecting this game to be very tight, and the points to be shared,” he added.