Newcastle United have an absolutely huge game ahead of them on Sunday.
While this season has already been a remarkable one for Newcastle United, there’s a huge amount of pressure heading into the final day of the campaign.
Indeed, Eddie Howe’s side need to ensure they finish the Premier League season with a victory if they are to guarantee a place in the Champions League qualification spots. They are fourth in the Premier League table heading into the final day but know anything other than three points could see them drop out of the top five altogether.
Opponents Everton come to St James’ Park in good form, too. David Moyes has steered them away from relegation and, over the last six games, they are eighth in the form table. Newcastle, meanwhile, are slightly above in sixth.
It is a massive game. Newcastle’s summer transfer budget could be halved if they don’t qualify for the Champions League, placing a huge amount of importance on Sunday’s fixture.
Pundit Chris Sutton has now made his prediction.
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Chris Sutton makes Newcastle United vs Everton prediction
The former England striker is backing Newcastle to win but does admit the Newcastle United manager has a “real worry” heading into the game.
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Alexander Isak is an injury doubt for Newcastle against Everton, having missed last weekend’s defeat at Arsenal with a groin problem.
Howe’s side haven’t scored a Premier League goal from open play without him in the team this season, so it’s natural Sutton would raise it as a potential concern.
He did, however, suggest that Newcastle would win 2-0 but stressed he would not be shocked if the Toffees claimed a draw. Everton have drawn six Premier League away games this season, winning five and losing the other seven.
Wins Draws Losses
71 38 76
Newcastle United’s head-to-head (h2h) record vs Everton
Newcastle, meanwhile, have claimed 12 home victories in the League this season. Only Liverpool (14) and Manchester City (13) have a better record.
Writing in his BBC Sport column, Sutton said: “I usually fancy Eddie Howe’s side to win when they are at St James’ Park but there are serious doubts over Alexander Isak’s fitness which is a real worry. I would have a different feeling if he was in the team.
“On top of that, Everton are an awkward team to break down, who also carry an attacking threat with Beto in such good form.
“So, I don’t think this will be straightforward at all. I am still backing the Magpies, but I would not be surprised if Everton nicked a point.”
Alexander Isak injury latest before Newcastle United vs Everton
The idea of the Sweden striker missing the game is a genuine worry. As mentioned above, Newcastle tend to struggle without the forward in the side, with back-up Callum Wilson no longer looking the force of old.
Howe has confirmed Isak could play for Newcastle against Everton, although a decision is still to be made.
The 25-year-old hadn’t trained with the rest of the group as of Friday morning but was at least involved in running drills at the Newcastle United training ground.
Hopefully, he pulls through. Newcastle desperately need him to.