Newcastle United aims to avenge their December 3-0 setback at Goodison Park. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton believes Everton will overcome Newcastle at St James’ Park tonight.
The Magpies are ecstatic after coming from behind to defeat West Ham United 4-3 on Saturday. Harvey Barnes was the difference-maker, reminding Toon chiefs of what motivated them to spend £38 million last summer.
Despite playing one fewer game, Newcastle closed the gap on the Hammers to one point. Another home game provides Eddie Howe’s side the opportunity to narrow the gap in the battle for European football.
However, Sutton, a former Blackburn Rovers, Celtic, and Chelsea striker, believes Everton will upset the apple cart, just as they did in December. The 51-year-old predicts a 2-1 victory for the visitors, who are winless in 12 Premier League games.
“I was at St James’ Park to see Newcastle’s late comeback to beat West Ham 4-3 and there is a lot to admire about Eddie Howe’s side,” Sutton was quoted as saying by the BBC. “They found a way to win the game, and it was fantastic for Harvey Barnes to come in and change the game the way he did after missing so much of the season.
“My fear for them here is how much it will have stolen from them. Their roster was already decimated by injuries, and now their captain, Jamaal Lascelles, is sidelined for several months.
“I’m taking a chance here, especially given Everton’s 12-game winless streak, but I believe Newcastle will be so stretched and put in so much effort on Saturday that it will come up with them here.
“Everton’s greatest difficulty is still in attack because they really struggle to reach the back of the net, but they do generate chances and I have a nagging suspicion they will get a result here, just like they did when they beat the Magpies 3-0 at Goodison Park in December.”
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