Newcastle United have been backed to heap more misery on Leeds United and former Toon boss Sam Allardyce, as the two United's prepare to meet in a crunch Premier League clash at Elland Road in Saturday's early kick-off.
Eddie Howe's charges are looking to respond after last weekend's 2-0 home defeat to title hopefuls Arsenal and face a Leeds side without a win in their last six, and are staring relegation to the Championship in the face with just three games remaining.
While Newcastle lost in a captivating St James' Park encounter against Mikel Arteta's side, Allardyce's Whites were beaten 2-1 at Manchester City, though in truth, the scoreline flattered the away side, but the Magpies can expect a raucous Elland Road for his first home game in charge. Here's what the pundits have been saying.
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Paul Merson
"This is a game that could have major ramifications in the top-four race and the relegation battle. If Newcastle United win this, they’d only need one more win to secure a top-four spot. It’s a massive football game," Merson told sportskeeda.
"Leeds need to win this match. But I can’t see anything but a Newcastle United win here. Sam Allardyce needed more time. They still have to face Newcastle United, West Ham and Tottenham and none of them are favourable fixtures for Leeds United.
"I’m going to go with Newcastle United here. I don’t see Newcastle not qualifying for the Champions League. Despite a rather tough set of fixtures coming up, they should be able to make it to the promised land."
Prediction: Leeds 0-2 Newcastle
Chris Sutton
"I understand why Leeds can take heart from the scoreline in their 2-1 defeat at Manchester City last week, but the way the game went for the first 85 minutes or so was far less encouraging for Sam Allardyce's side," Sutton said on the BBC.
After this game, Leeds have got West Ham away and Tottenham at home to end their season. At this point it is difficult to know how many points they will need to stay up, but they simply have to get something from this game.
A win would probably lift them out of the bottom three and would be absolutely massive, but I just don't see it happening.
Prediction: Leeds 1-3 Newcastle.
Mark Lawrenson
"Although Leeds were all right against Manchester City they could have conceded six to be honest," Lawrenson told Paddy Power. "It’s Sam Allardyce’s first game at home but I think Newcastle will win this as they need to get back on the horse.
Prediction Leeds 0-2 Newcastle.
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