Newcastle United can move back into the top four with a win over Manchester United on Sunday, and that is exactly what Chris Sutton is anticipating.
Eddie Howe‘s Newcastle take on Erik ten Hag‘s Man United at St James’ Park in a repeat of the Carabao Cup final, but pundits are expecting a different result.
Former Arsenal striker Paul Merson has already tipped the Magpies to come out on top this weekend, and now BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton has predicted the same outcome.
Sutton predicts Newcastle to beat Manchester United
As part of his latest round of Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, Sutton believes Newcastle are going to win 2-1 on Sunday.
That would make it three wins on the bounce, with the former Chelsea man believing Alexander Isak will be the difference once again.
“I’ve been wrong about Manchester United a few times this season but I don’t think their form has been that great recently, whatever their results have been like,” he wrote.
“They were very fortunate to recover to beat Fulham in the FA Cup last time out, and that was not the only time recently where they got away with it a bit – they have not been at their best for a while.
“It would still not surprise me at all if Erik ten Hag’s side went to St James’ Park and won but this is an enormous game in the fight for the top four and I am expecting Newcastle United to rise to the occasion.
“I like the way the Magpies play and, although they have not always turned that into goals, they’ve had more of a cutting edge since Alexander Isak returned to full fitness. I have a feeling the Sweden striker will make the difference again here.”
Alexander Isak was impressive against Man United at Wembley
This game feels very different to the Carabao Cup final. Man United were the form team that weekend, and breezed past us with ease, despite all the fanfare of the Tyneside takeover down south.
Since then the Red Devils have struggled, while Howe’s side look rejuvenated. That is largely down to Isak, who has propelled the Magpies to consecutive wins.
He was impressive against Wolves where he netted his header, then he took his game to an even greater level at the City Ground. He was ice cool when it mattered, netting a stoppage time penalty despite Keylor Navas’ attempts to put him off.
Newcastle will need Isak to carry on that form against Manchester United, who he did not play against in the reverse fixture at the start of the season.
However, he did come off the bench at Wembley to play 45 minutes and was arguably the Magpies’ most exciting player that day. He caused Man United real problems, and should be able to do that again to an even higher standard now he is a bit sharper.
If Newcastle are to rise to the occasion as Sutton predicts, we will need Isak to perform. The pundit believes he can make the difference, and hopefully he is right.
Sutton actually thinks Howe’s men will end the weekend in third position, as he has predicted Tottenham to lose to Everton on Monday night. It would be perfect if both of his predictions come true.
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