Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have released their weekly Premier League predictions ahead of Newcastle’s trip to Crystal Palace tonight.
Neither believe we’ll leave Selhurst Park with all three points, as Merson is predicting a 2-2 draw and an ‘entertaining contest’ in South London, feeling Palace have the best front three in the bottom half with Eze, Olise and Mateta.
Speaking to the BBC, Sutton thinks Palace will be ‘buzzing’ following their 5-2 win over West Ham on Sunday, feeling they are playing with freedom now they’re safe from relegation.
That may be true, but we have found form at the right time and come into this well rested and full of confidence from that 4-0 win over Spurs 10 days ago. Here’s what both have had to say ahead of tonight’s 8pm kick-off:
Paul Merson’s prediction (Sportskeeda)
‘Who saw that Crystal Palace performance coming the other day? They have three matchwinners in attack with Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta and in my opinion, that’s the best front three in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
‘Newcastle United would have looked at this one as a winnable game a couple of weeks ago, but the situation has changed dramatically. I’m going for the two sides to share the spoils in an entertaining contest.’
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-2 Newcastle United
Chris Sutton’s prediction (BBC Sport)
‘Crystal Palace will be buzzing off the back of their big win over West Ham on Sunday. Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise sparkled again alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta up front and having those two back fit has been huge for new Eagles boss Oliver Glasner in terms of increasing his side’s attacking threat.
‘Newcastle have found a bit of form recently too, but I fancy Palace to edge it. They look completely safe from relegation now so they can play with a bit of freedom, but Eze and Olise will make the difference.’
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-1 Newcastle
