‘I was tempted’… Chris Sutton predicts what the score will be between Everton and Newcastle on Thursday

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Thursday night is going to be a big one for Anthony Gordon, and Chris Sutton believes he could be the difference when Newcastle United face Everton.

The Magpies head to Goodison Park this week to take on Gordon’s former club, at a time when the 22-year-old is playing the best football of his career.

He scored Newcastle’s winner against Manchester United on Saturday, meaning he now has six goals to his name this season. He has also scored in four consecutive Premier League games at St James’ Park.

But Goodison will be the stage on Thursday night, which is a stadium that Gordon knows well. He has only played there once as an opposing player, and that came last season when Eddie Howe gave him a five minute cameo during a 4-1 win for Newcastle.

But the winger will be one of Newcastle’s main men on this occasion, tasked with breaking his former employer’s heart at a time when they are reeling due to a Premier League points deduction.

It should be a ferocious game on Thursday night underneath the lights, and it is a fixture that Chris Sutton believes Newcastle will win.

Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle will beat Everton on Thursday

As part of his latest Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, Chris Sutton has tipped Newcastle to beat Everton 2-1 this week.

“This should be a really good game. between two teams who will throw everything at it,” he said.

“Everton’s home form is not great, but they have total belief in their approach under Sean Dyche and they play like they share the same cause.

“But Newcastle’s unity is also great to see – they are all in with Eddie Howe and fully invested in his playing style as well.

“I was tempted to go for a draw but with former Everton winger Anthony Gordon going back to Goodison Park, I have a sneaky feeling he might make the difference.”

Newcastle need to improve away from home

If Newcastle do beat Everton this week, it will be just their second Premier League away win of the season.

While the Magpies have been exceptional at St James’ Park with the home crowd behind them, it has been a different story away from home.

Howe’s side have only won once on the road, and that was the 8-0 thumping of Sheffield United back in September.

But Sutton seems to think that Newcastle can be victorious on Thursday night, especially with Gordon being in spectacular form ahead of his return to Goodison Park.