The Sky Sports column ‘Jones Knows’ has given some interesting analysis and commentary on what is currently the position at Newcastle United.
The column makes predictions on what will happen at certain Premier League matches and also debates other matters/issues at clubs as well.
However, unlike the usual ex-pro predictions, that are usually simply based on how ‘big’ a club is and whether or not they won the previous game, this one has proper analysis and insight, not lazy assumptions.
The Sky Sports ‘Jones Knows’ column looks at the matches from a betting perspective and has been concentrating on this Newcastle United game at home to Ipswich.
Lewis Jones (who is the Sky Sports expert behind the ‘Jones Knows’ column) has highlighted some major underlying factors that could / should have a big bearing on this Newcastle v Ipswich game.
“Ipswich’s relegation will be confirmed if they fail to win or West Ham avoid defeat.
“One of the key issues Kieran McKenna has faced has been his inability to name a settled side – he’s made 94 changes to his starting line-ups this season, and only Manchester City have made more.
“An issue for him this weekend is at left-back where Conor Townsend is injured and Leif Davis is suspended.
“Jacob Murphy will be licking his lips playing against whoever the makeshift full-back is.
“Murphy is enjoying the best season of his Premier League career, registering 17 goal involvements in his last 19 league appearances. He is 15/8 with Sky Bet to register an assist.
“Prediction: Newcastle 3 Ipswich 1”
Interesting analysis, as always, from the Sky Sports expert.
Ipswich totally demoralised and with at least 10 players missing today, including their first and second choice left-backs.
The visitors have lost 10 of their last 13 Premier League matches and won only one.
Every win has to be fought for in the Premier League but this is one that United should be winning.
Jacob Murphy is having an excellent season, as the Sky Sports expert points out, especially when creating and scoring goals.
As the Sky Sports man says, 17 direct goal involvements in Murphy’s last 17 PL matches, those include scoring one and getting a superb assist in the win at Ipswich.
United were 4-0 up after 54 minutes in that victory and coasted the rest of the match.
With GD (Goal Difference) looking so potentially important in this race for Champions League places, hopefully Newcastle can get early goals to calm any nerves and then they will go right to the final whistle in order to ensure maximum GD improvement. NUFC currently same GD as Chelsea, four better off than Forest, five behind Man City.
Jackie Smithfield
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