BBC Sport pundit believes Newcastle United will get it done the hard way

Some interesting comments from this BBC Sport pundit on Newcastle United.

Chris Sutton speaking ahead of this afternoon’s match.

Newcastle United facing Bournemouth at St James’ Park.

A 3pm kick-off on Sunday afternoon, as Eddie Howe and his players look to ensure they are still competing on all four fronts after this FA Cup third round weekend.

Since joining Newcastle United, Eddie Howe’s side haven’t managed to win any of the seven Premier League matches played against his old club, although five of those have been draws.

On a more positive note…the NUFC Head Coach having a perfect cup record with the Magpies against the Cherries.

Newcastle winning 1-0 against Bournemouth in December 2022 on their way to Wembley, thanks to a second half own goal at St James’ Park.

Chris Sutton believes that Eddie Howe will retain the NUFC 100% cup record against his old club but by doing it the hard way.

The man from BBC Sport states: “The one thing I am sure of is that there will be a few goals flying in, because of the way both teams play. Let’s go for another thriller, with a shootout to settle it. Prediction: 3-3 after extra time, Newcastle to win on penalties.”

When it comes to goals, Newcastle United have scored at least two goals in each of their last twelve home matches in all competitions, winning ten and drawing two, no defeats at SJP since September.

That latest one of course seeing United score four in dramatic fashion to defeat Leeds in midweek.

Chris Sutton commenting: “I just wonder how much Wednesday night’s epic game against Leeds will have taken out of Newcastle, who have got the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final with Manchester City coming up next week too.”

Andoni Iraola has plenty of missing players and was relieved to see his team win against Spurs on Wednesday, ending a run of 11 games without a victory.

The BBC Sport pundit wondering how losing their star man will affect the visitors, on top of all the other players that Iraola may not feel able to call upon, due to fatigue as well as injury: “There was also plenty of late drama in Bournemouth’s win over Tottenham, but my concern with the Cherries is more about the effect of Antoine Semenyo’s departure, because it appears he has played his last game for them.”

I would rather not have to go through the ‘drama’ of extra time and penalties but just so long as Newcastle are in the fourth round draw on Monday I won’t mind.