Ian Wright makes prediction about Newcastle United, admits he is a fan of Jamaal Lascelles

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Ian Wright is backing Newcastle United to avoid relegation this season.

Pundit Ian Wright has told Sky Sports’ The Debate that he is backing Newcastle United to stay in the Premier League this season – and praised captain Jamaal Lascelles.

The Magpies returned to the top flight at the first time of asking last term, by winning the Championship title, and manager Rafael Benitez appeared to be enduring a frustrating summer transfer window having missed out on a number of targets.

Benitez did tie up a permanent deal for Christian Atsu before landing Florian Lejeune, Javier Manquillo, Mikel Merino, Jacob Murphy and Joselu, with many feeling that Newcastle hadn’t added enough to stay up.

After two defeats in the first two games, fans appeared concerned, but 10 points from the last five games have turned the tide, with Newcastle now in the top half of the Premier League table.

Benitez appears to be a little happier, though some concerns remain, in terms of relying too heavily on defenders for goals, and not being dangerous enough going forward, with Ayoze Perez and Matt Ritchie yet to score this term.

Benitez has time to turn that aspect around, and may well hope for some January additions to aid his cause, as he looks to make sure that Newcastle don’t slip back into the Championship once again.

Now, pundit Ian Wright has offered his prediction to Sky Sports’ The Debate, suggesting that he is confident that Newcastle have the best chance of staying up of the three promoted teams.

Wright added that he is a big fan of captain Jamaal Lascelles, but wants to see Newcastle score more goals when they are playing well to make sure they turn performances into points this season.

“I think Newcastle,” said Wright. “I quite like Newcastle, I like their captain, Jamaal Lascelles, I like the way he talks, I like the way he plays. If they can nick a couple more goals up front, in respect of getting them to settle down when they’re playing well in a game, and there’s a great noise up at St. James’ Park, then I fancy them,” he added.