Sky Sports expert gives verdict on Newcastle United – Disagree with this latest? | OneFootball

The Sky Sports column ‘Jones Knows’ has given some interesting analysis and commentary on what is currently the position at Newcastle United.

The column makes predictions on what will happen at certain Premier League matches and also debates other matters/issues at clubs as well.

However, unlike the usual ex-pro predictions, that are usually simply based on how ‘big’ a club is and whether or not they won the previous game, this one has proper analysis and insight, not lazy assumptions.

The Sky Sports ‘Jones Knows’ column looks at the matches from a betting perspective and has been concentrating on this Newcastle United game at the London Stadium.

Lewis Jones (who is the Sky Sports expert behind the ‘Jones Knows’ column) has highlighted some major underlying factors that could/should have a big bearing on this West Ham v Newcastle game.

“The case to bet against Newcastle here is an easy one, with them priced up as clear favourites to win the match.

“What is on the horizon has not been factored into the betting enough. Eddie Howe can talk as much as he wants about complete focus being on this game but players will have one eye on next Sunday’s Wembley date against Liverpool.

“Their overall performance is likely to be affected based on past fixtures involving teams in their final game before a cup final. If you take out Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, Man City and Chelsea from the equation, of the 21 clubs to reach a major domestic final, 13 of them suffered a defeat in the game before the final.

“Some of those defeats were shock results too, like Watford losing 4-1 to West Ham at home before the 2019 FA Cup final and Crystal Palace losing 4-1 away at Southampton before the 2016 FA Cup final.

“Being without Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall is another huge blow for the Toon, who are so dangerous down the left flank when that pair combine.

“West Ham to win at 2/1 with Sky Bet looks a fine bet.

“Score prediction: West Ham 2 Newcastle 1

“Jones Knows’ best bet: West Ham to beat Newcastle (2/1 with Sky Bet)”

Interesting analysis as always, from the Sky Sports expert.

Do you agree or disagree with this?

As always, there are all kinds of stats.

The fact is that West Ham are fifth bottom of the table and Newcastle United will be sixth if they win tonight, level on points with Man City who are fifth top.

Newcastle have won more than twice as many domestic matches (21) this season in the Premier League and the cups than West Ham (10).

Newcastle are unbeaten at West Ham in their last five visits, winning three and drawing two. Whilst before the defeats at Man City and Liverpool, Newcastle had won their last six away games, including wins at Arsenal, Man U and Spurs.

When the Sky Sports expert gives the stats on teams who are not ‘big five’ in their matches directly before a final, how many of them were like Newcastle United and actively competing for a Champions League place?

I think if Bruno, Tonali and Joelinton can win the midfield battle, that can help give the platform and the chances for the likes of Alexander Isak to score the goals to win this game.

The remaining Newcastle United match schedule:

Monday 10 March – West Ham v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Sunday 16 March – Newcastle v Liverpool (4.30pm) Carabao Cup final Sky Sports

Wednesday 2 April – Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm)

Monday 7 April – Leicester v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Sunday 13 April – Newcastle v Man U (4.30pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 16 April – Newcastle v Palace (7.30pm)

Saturday 19 April – Villa v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 26 April – Newcastle v Ipswich (3pm)

Saturday 3 May – Brighton v Newcastle TBC

Saturday 10 May – Newcastle v Chelsea TBC