Writing in his predictions column for the BBC, Chris Sutton has tried to predict the outcome of Newcastle’s game against West Ham this weekend.
The Magpies and the Hammers will both have been targeting a top-half finish this season, but their seasons haven’t quite gone to the script.
Newcastle have overperformed – losing just one league game all season, while West Ham have underperformed, currently finding themselves in the midst of a relegation battle.
This could be a very close game, and according to Sutton, Newcastle will just about edge this one.
Sutton predicts a 1-0 Newcastle win
The pundit gave his verdict on this match.
“I watched West Ham at Derby in the FA Cup on Monday night – the Hammers made changes and still won but they were very average indeed,” Sutton wrote.
“You kind of know how they will be set up at St James’ Park – to sit in, try to frustrate Newcastle and hit them on the counter-attack – while it will be front football from Eddie Howe’s side.
“Even without Bruno Guimaraes, who is starting his suspension for his red card against Saints in midweek, I think they will find a way through.
“The fact that Newcastle are so watertight at the back really helps when games are tight. We’ve seen it with them a few times this season already when things aren’t perfect with their performance, but they still get the job done.”
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Sutton says that Newcastle will edge this one, and it’s hard to disagree.
Yes, they’re without their talisman, Bruno Guimaraes, but they’re still a quality outfit that thrive at home.
Newcastle have lost just once all season, and it’s hard to think this game will end in anything other than a win for the Magpies.
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