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 away at Spurs.
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 Spurs v Newcastle United game.
“Tottenham are performing way below their peak without some of their key men at the back and the market is expecting a Newcastle win such has been their imperious form, winning five on the bounce.
“I’m wary of jumping aboard at 5/4 with Sky Bet, though, as breaking up the Fabian Schar-Dan Burn partnership due to Schar’s suspension could disrupt them, especially against such a dangerous Spurs attack that have averaged 2.47 goals per game at home this season.
“In 2024 on the seven occasions when Newcastle played without one of Burn or Schar their win percentage (52 per cent to 28 per cent), goals conceded (1.5 to 1.9) and shots faced (13.5 to 16.9) all worsened from a per 90 perspective.
“There’s no way I’m trusting Spurs either though.
“But I do trust Dejan Kulusevski, arguably with my life. He has got nine goal involvements in his last nine starts at home and is Ange Postecoglou’s go-to-guy. His shoulders must hurt carrying this team.
“He’s evens to grab another goal or assist.
“Score prediction: 2-2.
“Best bet: Dejan Kulusevski to score or assist.”
An interesting take from the Sky Sports expert…
I think though worth looking at this, what he had to say ahead of the last Newcastle United match against Man U (then below that, about the Villa match):
“I’m swimming against the tide here and remain quite positive on Manchester United’s prospects under this manager, especially from a defensive point of view.
“The structure and organisation is so much more secure than under Erik ten Hag and may just lead to positive results…
“The expected goals data does suggest Ruben Amorim’s influence is already stabilising them slightly, albeit the results make that hard to believe. “I’ll put my crash helmet on and…
“Score prediction: Man U 1 Newcastle United 1”
The Sky Sports expert ahead of the Newcastle United match against Villa:
“If Villa play with their same swagger in midfield as they did against Manchester City then the 11/4 with Sky Bet on an away win could turn out to be a cracking bet. The axis of Amadou Onana and Boubacar Kamara with Youri Tielemans playing advanced worked a charm with Tielemans especially flourishing in that role. Score prediction: Newcastle 1 Aston Villa 2″
I get the feeling that our mate from Sky Sports is licking his wounds AND his losses!
The Sky Sports expert is clearly desperate to convince himself that the serious upturn in Newcastle form is just a blip. Constantly talking up the opposition ahead of NUFC matches, looking for positive angles on Newcastle’s opponents, whilst also looking for supposed negatives from a United perspective.
Any result is possible in any match but after scoring 11 goals and only conceding one when thrashing Leicester, Brentford and Ipswich, surely these dominant latest two wins when outclassing Villa and Man U, scoring another five goals (deserved many more) and two clean sheets, points to this being a lot more than just a positive ‘blip’ in Newcastle’s season.
Fabian Schar is of course a class player BUT look at all the players Spurs are missing.
I last read it was a minimum of nine unavailable today AND that includes their first choice keeper and three of the usual starting back four!
Will Newcastle United collapse without Schar and suddenly be wide open for Spurs to exploit? Well, this run of five wins in a row has been built on the superbly performing midfield trio of Bruno, Tonali and Joelinton, they have controlled that area of the pitch. Spurs are missing midfield players as well today, including the suspended Bentancur. Certainly the comments I have read from Spurs fans, they appear to take for granted that Newcastle are going to dominate the middle of the pitch.
Eddie Howe will have to make that once enforced Schar change but if he chooses, it appears he will be able to start with the other 10 players who outclassed Villa and Man U.
As for missing Fabian Schar.
It is worth pointing out what the results were in the three tough early season matches that Schar missed, the only ones he hasn’t played in, this campaign. United got what looks now a great draw at Bournemouth (considering their other home results), won away at Forest (cup) and defeated… Tottenham at St James’ Park, Isak getting the winner. Three tough matches and yet Newcastle conceded only one goal in each without Schar, when NUFC weren’t playing anywhere near the levels they are now.
As for Dejan Kulusevski being the stand out (only?) Spurs player who could cause havoc against Newcastle. On Monday night it was clear that Eddie Howe had identified Diallo as the main/only Man U threat and United players swarmed around him whenever he got the ball, totally nullifying his threat.
There are no easy matches but every chance to believe Newcastle will make it six wins in a row if playing to recent levels.
Newcastle United upcoming matches:
Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Tuesday 7 January – Arsenal v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports and ITV1 and ITVX
Sunday 12 January – Newcastle v Bromley (3pm) BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)
Wednesday 15 January – Newcastle v Wolves (7.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)
Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)
Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports
Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)