Newcastle United’s away form is going to be put to the test once again this weekend, as they prepare to take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
Eddie Howe’s side are following up their Carabao Cup exit with a really tricky away fixture, facing a Luton side that have given the best sides a really decent game at home.
They got a point against Liverpool, while they were desperately unlucky against Manchester City and Arsenal earlier this season. While they have only picked up five points at home, Rob Edwards’s team have produced some impressive performances on their own turf, which is cause for concern for Newcastle.
The Magpies have only won once in the Premier League away from home all season. That was the 8-0 drubbing of Sheffield United.
Next up is another newly promoted team, and it is certainly a game that fans will be fearful of – especially given the fact that Eddie Howe still has so many injury issues.
It is a hard one to call, but former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has given it a go, and he has backed Newcastle to get their second away win of the season.
Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle United will beat Luton Town
As part of his weekly Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, Sutton has backed Newcastle to beat Luton 2-1 on Saturday.
“First and foremost, it’s a relief that Luton captain Tom Lockyer is in a stable condition after his collapse during the Bournemouth game,” he wrote.
As part of his weekly Premier League predictions for BBC Sport, Sutton has backed Newcastle to beat Luton 2-1 on Saturday.
“First and foremost, it’s a relief that Luton captain Tom Lockyer is in a stable condition after his collapse during the Bournemouth game,” he wrote.
“Luton have been really competitive at Kenilworth Road but they have still only won one out of eight league matches there this season, and picked up five points in total.
“Mind you, Newcastle’s away form is hardly convincing either – it is actually identical to Luton’s home record in terms of wins and points, so there is plenty of room for improvement.
“Eddie Howe’s side have got to address that if they want to challenge for the top four – and I think they will address it here, although it is going to be close.”
Tricky game for Newcastle despite Luton’s struggles
On paper, this should be an easy game for Newcastle. We are clearly the stronger team with the better players. While they are not disgracing themselves in the Premier League, Luton are in the relegation zone with just nine points.
But as the cliche goes, football is not won on paper. This feels like a potential banana skin for the Magpies – it is certainly not a game I am looking forward to.
We have struggled so much away from home this season, while it is unclear who Howe will have available following Tuesday’s defeat to Chelsea. Anthony Gordon picked up an injury in that game, so there is a chance he could be missing.
As Newcastle prepare to go to a tricky away ground with an injury-hit squad, it is hard to share the same confidence that Sutton has about the Magpies coming home with all three points.
