Newcastle United head to the capital to take on Crystal Palace tonight looking to record three consecutive Premier League wins for only the second time this season. It is a feat they have not managed in the top flight since September.
A four-match unbeaten run has lifted Eddie Howe’s team up to sixth in the standings with six matches remaining. But Chris Sutton does not fancy the Magpies to pick up a positive result at Selhurst Park. Writing in his weekly BBC prediction column, the former Celtic striker has backed Palace to win 2-1.
He said: “Crystal Palace will be buzzing off the back of their big win over West Ham on Sunday. Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise sparkled again alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta up front and having those two back fit has been huge for new Eagles boss Oliver Glasner in terms of increasing his side’s attacking threat.
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“Newcastle have found a bit of form recently too, but I fancy Palace to edge it. They look completely safe from relegation now so they can play with a bit of freedom, but Eze and Olise will make the difference.”
Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson, though, expects United to maintain their improved run of form and is predicting a 2-2 draw. Merson told sportskeeda: “Who saw that Crystal Palace performance coming the other day?
“They have three matchwinners in attack with Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta. In my opinion, that’s the best front three in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
“Newcastle United would have looked at this one as a winnable game a couple of weeks ago, but the situation has changed dramatically. I’m going for the two sides to share the spoils in an entertaining contest.”
View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/paul-merson-chris-sutton-disagree-29050064
