Goal-hungry Toon can see off Seagulls
NEWCASTLE United’s European hopes look set to be decided away from St James’ Park, with two of their remaining three Premier League games on the road.
The big test comes at Old Trafford next Wednesday when they can not only boost their own top-six ambitions, but put a big dent in Manchester United’s with an away win, before a final-day game at a Brentford side who have only pride to play for.
That said, no one in the Magpies camp will be looking at Saturday’s St James’ Park curtain call as a home banker. While Roberto de Zerbi’s side have fallen off the pace and have been unable to match last season’s achievements, we all know how dangerous they can be. It feels a long time ago now, but that 3-1 defeat on the South Coast at the start of the season is still a raw wound.
Newcastle simply have to get the job done at home and, with Man United hosting Arsenal on Sunday, the gap could be up to five points before next week’s clash, Chelsea still look the more dangerous rival, of course, but it’s in Newcastle’s hands.
Now we don’t want to tempt fate, but for those having a few doubts ahead of Saturday’s game, there should be one big reason for confidence, and it is a simple one. Newcastle score goals at home.
In fact, they’re in goalscoring mode full stop, with only the defeat at Crystal Palace a blight on an otherwise goal-laden recent track record. But at home, goals are (almost) guaranteed.
Only Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund have kept United out at St James’ Park, and that was thanks to the woodwork and some inspired goalkeeping. In their 18 Premier League games on home turf this season, Howe’s men have bagged 48 goals.
That’s 2.5 goals per game. If that’s not impressive enough, they’ve scored 17 in their last five home games alone. Calculators at the ready – that’s 3.4 goals per game.
They’ve hit four or more eight times at home in all competitions (and at Burnley and Sheffield United) and with Isak, Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes all in goalscoring form, few would bet against them improving on their tallies this weekend.