That is turning right into a season to savour for Newcastle supporters, with their workforce flying excessive within the Premier League desk and reserving a primary journey to Wembley for twenty-four years, however can they keep their bid for a top-four end?
“Newcastle are in an incredible place to make the Champions League locations now,” BBC Sport soccer professional Chris Sutton stated.
“They’re so constant in comparison with many of the groups instantly under them, and their massive power is their defence – they’re so strong.”
Sutton is making predictions for each top-flight recreation this season, towards a wide range of friends.
For this weekend’s fixtures, he’s up towards DJ and Newcastle fan Schak, who performed a stay set at St James’ Park simply earlier than the kick-off of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final towards Southampton.
“It is laborious to place into phrases how nice that was for me as a Toon fan,” Schak instructed BBC Sport. “It was like a fairy story.
“The entire day was wonderful, beginning once I got here out of the gamers’ tunnel earlier on to go searching the stadium, and thought to myself ‘wow, I’m really going to play right here!’
“The factor that actually stands proud is that, earlier than I went on, somebody from the membership gave me a black-and-white scarf to wave throughout my set, so I used to be waving it… after which 1000’s of individuals within the stands began doing the identical.
“It was so surreal. I’ve performed some wonderful reveals in so many locations, however I’ve by no means skilled something like that. It was completely distinctive and I am going to always remember it.”
Schak’s present single, Transferring All Round (Jumpin’), is out now. He’s again in Newcastle on 17 February when he performs at The Lofts.
Schak now has a visit to Wembley to stay up for, when Newcastle face Manchester United within the closing on 26 February.
“I am unable to wait,” he stated. “It is going to be an incredible environment in London that weekend as a result of there can be so many Toon followers round, whether or not they’ve a ticket or not.
“Their assist has all the time been good, and it’s the similar at music occasions. Each present I do, irrespective of the place it’s in England, Scotland or Wales, the Toon assist all the time reveals up, sporting the shirt. I do not see that with another workforce.
“Now we now have one thing to get enthusiastic about on the pitch too and I’m wanting ahead to seeing what we do subsequent. We’re constructing in the intervening time, however I do imagine we are able to make the highest 4 this season – though it will be shut.
“We’re nonetheless engaged on our squad depth however as soon as we enhance that then I believe we may very well be a juggernaut.
“The place we’re in, and the way the entire metropolis is buzzing due to it, is simply good. I’ve all the time considered the membership as being like a sleeping big – however the big has woken up now!”
| Outcome | Sutton | Schak | |
| FRIDAY, 3 FEB | |||
| Chelsea v Fulham | x-x | 2-1 | 0-1 |
| SATURDAY, 4 FEB | |||
| Everton v Arsenal | x-x | 0-2 | 0-3 |
| Aston Villa v Leicester | x-x | 1-1 | 1-1 |
| Brentford v Southampton | x-x | 2-1 | 1-2 |
| Brighton v Bournemouth | x-x | 3-0 | 3-1 |
| Man Utd v Crystal Palace | x-x | 2-0 | 1-1 |
| Wolves v Liverpool | x-x | 0-0 | 2-1 |
| Newcastle v West Ham | x-x | 1-0 | 1-0 |
| SUNDAY, 5 FEB | |||
| Nott’m Forest v Leeds | x-x | 2-2 | 0-0 |
| Tottenham v Man Metropolis | x-x | 1-3 | 0-2 |
An accurate end result (choosing a win, draw or defeat) is value 10 factors. The precise rating earns 40 factors.
SUTTON’S PREDICTIONS
Video games kick off at 15:00 GMT except in any other case acknowledged
FRIDAY, 3 FEBRUARY
Chelsea v Fulham (20:00 GMT)
These two sides met a couple of weeks in the past, when new Chelsea signing Joao Felix was despatched off on his debut and Fulham gained 2-1.
This time? Effectively, who is aware of how Chelsea will line up on Friday with all their new signings – together with Enzo Fernandez, the £107m man.
Jorginho began their final recreation, towards Liverpool on 21 January, and he has now joined Arsenal. Hakim Ziyech and Conor Gallagher had been additionally within the workforce at Anfield they usually had been linked with strikes away – particularly Ziyech, who thought he was on his solution to Paris St-Germain. Certainly he will not be concerned?
There are such a lot of questions and there’s merely no method Blues boss Graham Potter can know what his finest workforce is now. I do just like the look of Mykhailo Mudryk, who’s extremely fast, however promoting Jorginho may be very odd, even together with his contract operating out in the summertime.
All of this makes it very tough to make a prediction.
Fulham have misplaced their final two league video games, with out enjoying that badly, and with a settled workforce they need to positively play the extra fluid soccer.
However perhaps that is the second Potter’s luck turns and he will get a break for the primary time at Stamford Bridge. That is what I am going with, anyway!
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Schak’s prediction: Fulham are going to win this one; they’re enjoying very well in the intervening time. 0-1
SATURDAY, 4 FEBRUARY
Everton v Arsenal (12:30)
Arsenal rested a couple of gamers of their FA Cup tie towards Manchester Metropolis and paid the value.
They nonetheless performed fairly nicely at Etihad Stadium although and I believe they’ve had a extremely good window – signing Jorginho, Cedric Trossard and Jakub Kiwior to strengthen their squad for his or her title push.
Everton, in distinction, didn’t signal anybody and it seems to be like their new supervisor Sean Dyche has received an enormous job on his palms to maintain them up – he is really misplaced a participant, with Antony Gordon shifting to Newcastle.
We all know the Goodison Park crowd will get behind the workforce and, the best way that Dyche manages, he can be making an attempt to extract each final ounce of effort out of his gamers.
So, the endeavour can be there, however I nonetheless do not see Everton getting a win and even managing a draw.
Arsenal are simply far too good for them and, as I stated on the Monday Evening Membership, getting the Everton job now could be like being made captain of the Titanic, a few hours after it hit the iceberg.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-2
Schak’s prediction: Arsenal are going to show them over – I believe Everton are a sinking ship. 0-3
Aston Villa v Leicester
Leicester nonetheless have not gained a Premier League recreation because the World Cup and are getting a bit determined, though at the least their draw with Leeds stopped a run of 4 straight league losses.
Villa, in distinction, have gained three and drawn one in all their previous 4 video games and, on present kind, they should be favourites right here.
However the Foxes nonetheless have some good gamers and James Maddison must be match sufficient to start out – he would possibly simply make the distinction.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-1
Schak’s prediction: 1-1
Brentford v Southampton
Southampton have improved lots not too long ago and gave Newcastle an honest recreation within the Carabao Cup in midweek, however they’ve now misplaced three out of their previous 4 video games in all competitions.
Brentford haven’t misplaced within the league since 23 October and at dwelling they’re notably sturdy – I positively fancy them to win this one, though I do suppose Saints will rating.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-1
Schak’s prediction: Southampton is likely to be slightly bit miffed about dropping to us within the Carabao Cup; they performed fairly nicely towards us within the second half on Tuesday. 1-2
Brighton v Bournemouth
Bournemouth signed a couple of gamers in January and I already just like the look of Dango Ouattara, who arrange a aim in his debut for the Cherries once they drew with Nottingham Forest final trip.
It seems to be like they will have a go at staying up however whether or not that works out or not will rely on how rapidly these new faces gel.
I do not see them getting something right here, for starters, due to how good we all know Brighton are. I really like watching them below Roberto de Zerbi and I can solely see a Seagulls victory right here.
Sutton’s prediction: 3-0
Schak’s prediction: Brighton are on an incredible run in the intervening time. 3-1
Man Utd v Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace nicked a draw proper on the finish of the sport when these two groups met at Selhurst Park final month – it price me some prediction factors too, as a result of I had gone for a 1-0 Manchester United win.
It is going to be more durable for the Eagles this time, and never simply because they go to Previous Trafford, the place United have gained their previous 12 video games in all competitions.
Wilfried Zaha is injured and, though he has not been at his absolute best this season, he’s nonetheless a giant miss for Patrick Vieira’s facet.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-0
Schak’s prediction: I would prefer to see Palace get one thing due to how shut United are to us within the desk. United are enjoying nicely in the intervening time, however all Palace want is one other free-kick just like the one Michael Olise scored towards United a few weeks in the past – that was simply wonderful – and I’m going to go together with a draw. I simply hope I am proper! 1-1
Wolves v Liverpool
I do not suppose Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp can afford many extra losses and the extent of efficiency is the fear with the Reds in the intervening time.
Primarily based on efficiency ranges, what we’re seeing now could be a shadow of the facet that had been profitable recreation after recreation once they had been combating for the title with Manchester Metropolis 12 months in the past.
We’re on the stage the place, final week, I may say with a component of confidence that Brighton weren’t simply going to beat Liverpool within the FA Cup, they might additionally outplay them – and trigger them issues and create probabilities, identical to they did once they beat them within the league earlier in January.
Numerous you agreed with me too – out of greater than 32,000 votes, 53% of you went for a Seagulls victory.
What occurs subsequent? Effectively, Liverpool did beat Wolves within the FA Cup final month, however solely after a replay when a VAR error saved their bacon late within the first recreation.
Each groups made a lot of modifications too, so it’s laborious to learn an excessive amount of into what occurred in both recreation in relation to calling this one.
It might be straightforward to suppose Liverpool’s poor run will proceed; I definitely do not see them bouncing again like they used to below Klopp.
They’re actually unhealthy defensively – however I really suppose they are going to be helped by Wolves’ lack of creativity. I do not belief Wolves to attain and which may imply Liverpool escape with a draw.
Sutton’s prediction: 0-0
Schak’s prediction: I am going with an upset right here. 2-1
Newcastle v West Ham (17:30)
I watched West Ham at Derby within the FA Cup on Monday night time – the Hammers made modifications and nonetheless gained however they had been very common certainly.
You type of know the way they are going to be arrange at St James’ Park – to take a seat in, attempt to frustrate Newcastle and hit them on the counter-attack – whereas it is going to be entrance soccer from Eddie Howe’s facet.
Even with out Bruno Guimaraes, who’s beginning his suspension for his pink card towards Saints in midweek, I believe they’ll discover a method by means of.
The truth that Newcastle are so watertight on the again actually helps when video games are tight. We have seen it with them a couple of instances this season already when issues aren’t good with their efficiency, however they nonetheless get the job performed.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-0
Schak’s prediction: West Ham aren’t in nice kind however it’s a blow for us that Bruno is suspended for the following three video games and we would have to vary our formation. Usually, I would be pondering we may put two or three previous them, however one aim will most likely be sufficient to get us the factors. 1-0
Schak on his Newcastle heroes: Eddie Howe is a superb supervisor who will get one of the best out of all of his gamers and we now have such a great workforce now however the one who stands out probably the most is Bruno, and never simply due to how good he’s. He is likely to be from Brazil however he’s an adopted Geordie already – he’s so proud to be enjoying for us and I really like his ardour, it reveals how a lot he cares.
SUNDAY, 5 FEBRUARY
Nott’m Forest v Leeds (14:00)
Nottingham Forest simply carry on signing gamers – regardless that the January switch window is closed they’ve simply introduced in Andre Ayew, who was a free agent, for what’s their twenty ninth signing since they gained promotion to the Premier League in Could.
These numbers are staggering and credit score to Forest boss Steve Cooper for knitting a very new workforce collectively, whereas persevering with so as to add to it. Their outcomes have been getting higher too – sure, they’re out of each cups now however they’re 4 video games unbeaten within the Premier League.
That is been sufficient for them to maneuver above a Leeds facet who’ve travelled in the wrong way down the desk however it’s so shut on the backside that Jesse Marsch’s facet would transfer again above them with a win.
It has been a very long time since Leeds picked up three factors, nevertheless, and I do not suppose their wait will finish this weekend. I’ve stated it many instances earlier than, however it’s too straightforward to get at them.
Sutton’s prediction: 2-2
Schak’s prediction: 0-0
Tottenham v Man Metropolis (16:30)
I do know Joao Cancelo has not been at his finest this season however I nonetheless suppose his departure on mortgage to Bayern Munich is a large loss to Manchester Metropolis.
Cancelo has been integral to Metropolis’s success prior to now couple of seasons however one thing has clearly gone on that meant Pep Guardiola was keen to let him depart they usually haven’t changed him both.
It is an enormous name, particularly with Metropolis enjoying catch-up to Arsenal within the title race, however it could be typical of what we now have seen from them below Pep in the event that they responded with a win right here.
Spurs would possibly nonetheless suppose it’s a good time to play them, and it was a lift for them that Son Heung-min received again among the many targets towards Preston within the FA Cup final weekend.
However with boss Antonio Conte prone to be absent after surgical procedure, I’m going with one other Metropolis victory to go together with their comeback to beat Tottenham at Etihad Stadium final month.
Sutton’s prediction: 1-3
Schak’s prediction: I would like Metropolis to win, once more due to how shut Spurs are behind us. 0-2
Chris Sutton and Schak had been chatting with BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.
How did Sutton do within the FA Cup?
Chris appropriately backed 9 of the 11 groups who’ve already made it by means of to spherical 5. He presently leads Krept from rap duo Krept & Konan, who picked eight winners.
5 of the 16 fourth-round ties are nonetheless to be determined by a replay.
If actual scores from the primary video games earned further factors within the FA Cup, Krept would already be the runaway winner – he managed 4 of these whereas Sutton received zero.
And the way did you get on?
You’ve got scored 10/11 up to now – the one tie the place you had been unsuitable was West Brom versus Bristol Metropolis, when 52% of you backed the Baggies however the Robins gained 3-0.
How is Sutton doing this season? (Primarily based on Premier League matches)
| Gaz Coombes | 120 |
| Ali Bruce-Ball, Modernlove drummer Cian McCluskey | 110 |
| Liam Fray of The Courteeners | 100 |
| Chris Sutton (common after 20 weeks) | 71 |
| Ian Broudie, GK from Unhealthy Boy Chiller Crew, Kasabian’s Serge Pizzorno, Editors bassist Russell Leetch, Aaron Moorhead, Phoenix singer Thomas Mars | 70 |
| Ross MacDonald from The 1975, Ryan Porteous | 60 |
| Justin Benson, Al Greenwood from Sports activities Crew, Dapz on the Map, Chesney Hawkes, Maulo | 50 |
| Blake Bowman, Tom from Dry Cleansing | 40 |
| Jessica McHale, Olivia Chomczuk | 30 |
| Juice Menace, Patrick Whelan | 20 |
| Chris Sutton | 1,420 |
| Friends | 1,380 |
How are you getting on?
| 1. You | 105/199 (53%) |
| 2. Chris | 99/188 (50%) |
| 3 Friends | 97/188 (49%) |
*Win, draw, loss prediction primarily based on highest % of vote for every match.
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