Charlie Nicholas predicts Newcastle vs Luton result; expects Magpies to slip up

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Newcastle United host Luton Town and the Premier League side will be hoping to avoid a giant killing at the hands of the Hatters.

Charlie Nicholas has predicted to Sky Sports that Newcastle will be taken to a replay when they meet League Two side Luton in the third round of the FA Cup at St James’ Park this weekend.

The Magpies go into the clash with the Hatters off the back of an important win over Stoke which has lifted Rafa Benitez’s men out of the relegation zone. But, of course, their position is still precarious.

Meanwhile, Luton will travel to Tyneside full of confidence. Nathan Jones’ men are four points clear at the top of the fourth tier and have won 11 of their last 13 games in all competitions. And Nicholas has suggested, as expects Benitez to make changes, Luton will be good value to book their place in the hat for the next round and set up a rematch at Kenilworth Road.

“After a great result at Stoke I’m expecting Rafael Benitez to make changes given it has only put Newcastle two points above the drop zone. He’s not got a big squad and they don’t score a lot of goals, so the idea of a comfortable afternoon is foreign for the St James’ Park faithful,” he told Sky Sports while explaining why he is expecting a 2-2 draw.

“In contrast all we hear with Luton is they’re scoring four or five. They also have their problems defensively and will come to attack so I’m going for them to get a replay here in what is a really awkward one for Newcastle right now.”

As Nicholas alluded to, while a defeat may be the most humiliating result, a draw would perhaps be the worst result as far as Benitez is concerned as there is no question that staying in the top flight has to be the priority right now.

Having that extra game will certainly not be ideal for the Magpies, but perhaps there could also be a positive side to emerge if Newcastle fail to get the better of Luton.

Benitez will desperately want to convince Mike Ashley that he needs money to spend in this month’s transfer window, and surely no message would make it clearer than if they were unable to knock a League Two side out of the cup at the first attempt.