News
The Sky Sports column ‘Jones Knows’ has given some interesting analysis and commentary on what is currently the position at Newcastle United.
The column makes predictions on what will happen at certain Premier League matches and also debates other matters/issues at clubs as well.
However, unlike the usual ex-pro predictions, that are usually simply based on how ‘big’ a club is and whether or not they won the previous game, this one has proper analysis and insight, not lazy assumptions.
The Sky Sports ‘Jones Knows’ column looks at the matches from a betting perspective and has been concentrating on this Newcastle United game away at Brentford.
**Lewis Jones (who is the Sky Sports [expert](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13267680/premier-league-predictions-and-best-bets-nottingham-forest-can-blunt-stale-man-utd) behind the ‘Jones Knows’ column) has highlighted some major underlying factors that could / should have a big bearing on this Brentford v Newcastle game.**
_“When on song, Alexander Isak is probably the most complete Premier League striker, isn’t he?_
_“Yes, Erling Haaland is the most ruthless goalscorer but Isak’s pace, mobility, guile and finishing ability is something that could take Newcastle to some special places if he can remain consistent._
_“The Swede was outstanding against Liverpool, giving Virgil van Dijk the runaround for large parts – something that not many strikers have done this season._
_“If Newcastle and Isak can match the intensity and bite on show in that amazing 3-3 draw with Liverpool, then Brentford won’t see which way they went and that explains why Eddie Howe’s team are favourites at 13/10._
_“But it’s hard to predict which version of them will show up._
_“Isak has scored in both his appearances against Brentford though and only Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Cole Palmer have averaged more goals per game than Isak’s haul of 0.56 since he arrived at Newcastle. He’s the bet here to score first at 9/2 with Sky Bet._
_“Prediction: Brentford 1 Newcastle 2”_
Always interesting to hear what the Sky Sports expert has to say with his analysis on Newcastle United matches and as usual, some good stuff there.
Indeed, I struggle to disagree with any of that…
Almost every game against higher ranked teams this season, Brentford have struggled, usually losing.
They did win a home game against Bournemouth who are currently ninth in the Premier League, however, all of their other points have been picked up against the clubs who are in the bottom seven as things stand.
As the Sky Sports man makes clear, if Newcastle United can play to the level they are capable of, then a win is more than achievable. Though you have to factor in what look set to be abysmal wet and very windy conditions.
As for his Alexander Isak comments, the Sky Sports expert is very much on the money.
The last seven Newcastle United matches, Alexander Isak has scored in five of them. That includes scoring the very first goal of the match in three of them – Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea (in the cup).
**Newcastle United upcoming matches confirmed to end of January 2025:**
**Saturday 7 December** – Brentford v Newcastle (3pm)
**Saturday 14 December** – Newcastle v Leicester (3pm)
**Wednesday 18 December** – [Newcastle v Brentford](https://www.themag.co.uk/2024/11/we-cant-complain-about-newcastle-v-brentford-quarter-final-scheduling-advantage-united-newcastle-united/) (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (Carabao Cup)
**Saturday 21 December** – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)
**Thursday 26 December** – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon
**Monday 30 December** – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports
**Saturday 4 January** – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports
**Sunday 12 January –** Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)
**Wednesday 15 January** – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports
**Saturday 18 January** – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports
**Saturday 25 January** – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)