Pundits believe Newcastle United will lose their third game in a row when they travel to Tottenham Hotspur this weekend. The Magpies were narrowly beaten by Chelsea and Everton in their previous two fixtures, with late goals in both games sealing their fate.
An impressive run of form before the back-to-back defeats means Eddie Howe’s men still have a nine-point cushion over the bottom three and are on course to secure Premier League survival. They face a stern test against Antonio Conte’s Champions League hopefuls who will see this as a must-win game.
Victory for Newcastle could see them climb as high as 12th and would all but secure their top-flight status for another season. However, that is not what the experts think will happen, as ChronicleLive found out…
READ MORE: Eddie Howe verdict on Newcastle midfield battle
Mark Lawrenson
Former Liverpool defender Lawrenson feels ominous about United’s form for the rest of the season. In his weekly BBC column, he wrote: “I just have a feeling Newcastle could have an indifferent run now. The Magpies have lost their last two games and it worries me a bit that one or two of their players might think the job is done and they are safe.
“It probably is, but they still need to maintain their form and show manager Eddie Howe they can be relied upon, regularly and not just in a short burst. So these next few games will be interesting and might tell us something about the characters in the Newcastle squad.
“As for Tottenham, well I think they will win this game, but I still wouldn't be confident about their chances of making the top four. There always seems to be poor performance around the corner, when they look like a team who have just met for the first time. It's what Spurs do.”
Prediction: 2-0
Paul Merson
The Arsenal legend agreed with Lawrenson that Newcastle will walk away empty-handed on Sunday. “If Harry Kane turns up, Tottenham will win this game of football,” he told SportsKeeda. “I was very surprised by Newcastle's performance against Chelsea and felt there was no chance they'd lose to Everton, but that was exactly what happened despite Everton going down to 10 men!
“This is a very difficult game for Tottenham as I've been really impressed with Newcastle under Eddie Howe, but the home side should win this one. Kane's future has once again come under the limelight and it'll be up to him this summer.
“Manchester City are reportedly in for Erling Haaland so they may not come back in for him, so could it probably be Manchester United? If they get Kane and Declan Rice, I think they can challenge next season under a good manager.
“Will he look to move on in search of trophies or stay at Tottenham to break Alan Shearer's goalscoring record? Something tells me he might stay - his mind is probably made up already!”
Prediction: Spurs 2-1 Newcastle
Michael Owen
It will come as no surprise to Toon fans that former striker Owen also thinks Newcastle will taste defeat against Spurs. He told BetVictor: “Tottenham have won four out of five in the league, with their only defeat coming at Old Trafford. They’ve looked a real threat going forward, with Son and Kane being in superb form. They still have a chance of finishing in the top four.
“Newcastle have lost their last two, both 1-0. They’re almost safe, but still need another win or two to guarantee it. I fancy Spurs here. Their recent form has been good, and I think they’ll edge this.”
Prediction: Spurs 2-1 Newcastle
David Seaman
Another Arsenal legend has tipped Spurs for victory. On the Seaman Says podcast, the former England goalkeeper said: “As much as Newcastle have this new-found confidence I still think Spurs will be too much for them. I'd love it to be a draw - or even a Newcastle win if I'm honest - but I just feel Spurs will have too much for them.”
Prediction: Spurs 3-1 Newcastle.
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