Newcastle United play host to Luton Town in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Gary Neville has made an astonishing claim in his class of ’92 column on Sky Sports website, by predicting League Two high-flyers Luton Town to mastermind a huge giant killing by beating Newcastle United.
Newcastle play host to League Two leaders Luton, who sit four points clear at the top of English football’s fourth tier as manager Nathan Jones is quickly becoming recognised as one of the best, young English managers out there.
However, Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle sit 55 places above the Hatters after their 1-0 win over Stoke City propelled the Toon up the Premier League into 13th place – ahead of the likes of Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and West Ham United.
But Neville reckons Luton will continue their near-immaculate form by beating Newcastle 2-1, after winning 11 times in 14 league and cup outings, losing just once to Port Vale on New Year’s Day in a shock 4-0 defeat.
Newcastle are likely to make a number of changes to face Luton, with the Chronicle claiming goalkeeper Freddie Woodman could finally make his debut for the Toon after his heroics in South Korea with England Under-20’s last summer.
The report also claims defenders Chancel Mbemba, Massadio Haidara and Jamie Sterry could all start, while Rolando Aarons, Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, Henri Saivet and Dan Barlaser are all in with a shout.
However, whatever line-up Benitez decides to field, they must have their wits about them as Luton will be on the prowl and looking to add substance to Neville’s claim.
The former England right-back claimed Newcastle would lose in his Super Six predictions, while guessing Man City would beat Burnley, Watford would knock out Bristol City. He also predicted wins for Wolves and Bournemouth, but reckons Fulham and Southampton will draw.
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