SWEDE IS IN TOON FOR ED
Smart Alex can be Howe’s hero against Spurs
NEWCASTLE are still in the fight for European football next term and can gain some more capital comfort today to help towards that aim.
Eddie Howe’s men have won all six of their home Premier League games against London sides this season – three of which were by three goals or more – and today’s visitors Tottenham could well make it seven.
Ange Postecoglou’s fourthplaced Spurs are in a fight of their own with Aston Villa for a Champions League place but their away form recently has been patchy, with just one win in their last six road trips.
So with Sweden forward Alexander Isak on form in front of goal, I fancy Newcastle to take the three points that would lift them – temporarily at least – into sixth place in the table.
Howe’s men are a tempting 7-4 with Betfred to win, with BetMGM making Spurs 143-100 and the draw 31-10.
I fancy there could be plenty of goals in this one so I’d take a punt on the 3-2 home win at big odds of 20-1 with bet365 and William Hill.
I also like Sky Bet’s Requestabet odds of 15-2 that Newcastle score three or more, they earn six corners and Spurs receive 20-plus booking points.
Isak – with 15 goals in 23 league appearances this term – has scored five in his last six Toon games, three of those proving to be the game’s opening goal.
He’s evens to score at any time but it makes sense to take Sky Bet’s 9-2 that he nets the first.
If it does prove to be a highscoring affair though, then Tottenham’s top scorer, South Korean forward Heung-min Son, is likely to be among the goals too.
Son is 6-5 to grab one at any time and 5-1 to get the last goal – but I’d be tempted by Sky Bet’s enhanced odds of 5-1, from 5-2, that both he and Isak score.
You also have to keep an eye on Anthony Gordon, who has enjoyed his best-ever season in front of goal with 10 to his name this term in all competitions.
He hasn’t found the net in his last four Toon outings but he’s a constant danger so take Sky Bet’s 5-2 that he scores at any time.
Newcastle boss Howe will have his eyes on sixth place to cap an injury-hit season and I reckon they could still achieve that at decent odds of 9-4 with Sky Bet.
Manchester United, West Ham and Chelsea are their main rivals for that position but with the Hammers and the Stamford Bridge men each facing a difficult run-in, it could all come down to Toon’s trip to Old Trafford on May 15.
The Red Devils are 8-11 to claim sixth, with Chelsea behind Toon at 9-2 and the Hammers a massive 28-1.
Erik Ten Hag’s side face a tricky trip to the south coast to play Bournemouth today and the odds of 7-4 with BetMGM for an away win reflect that.
The Cherries are 37-25 to win, with the draw 3-1 with Betfred and William Hill.
Despite their recent troubles, I think United might ease some of the pressure on their boss with a 2-1 win at 11-1 with bet365 – try Sky Bet’s enhanced 6-1 that Dominic Solanke and Rasmus Hojlund both score.