Sky Sports pundit predicts Newcastle v QPR, fans will be surprised
By Amir Mir
Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has predicted Newcastle to draw 1-1 with QPR at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.
Fans will be surprised by Prutton’s prediction because Rafa Benitez’ side are chasing for promotion in the Championship, while their opponents are struggling in 19th place.
The north east club go into this match knowing a win could see them leapfrog first-placed Brighton in the table.
Chris Hughton’s men can reclaim that position if they can beat Yorkshire outfit Huddersfield Town on Thursday night.
But, former Nottingham Forest midfielder Prutton has explained why Newcastle will fall short in front of their own supporters.
“Even though there were changes, every time a team loses in the manner Newcastle did at Oxford in the FA Cup, it will still have an impact,”. Prutton told Sky Sports
“The next team they put out must right that wrong, that performance and that result. I think it’s going to be tough for Newcastle against QPR.
“We’ve seen a lot of Ollie’s team, and the game against Burton, you’d have thought they would take three points.
“I think we’ll see a response from Newcastle with a change of personnel, but I think QPR are a tough task. Let’s go for a draw.”
The Magpies were beaten 3-0 by League One outfit Oxford United in the FA Cup at the weekend as they were part of a number of clubs who suffered shock defeats.
Their promotion rivals, Leeds and Brighton were beaten by non-league sides, Sutton United and Lincoln City respectively.
Benitez’ team have had mixed results at home this term, losing to Huddersfield, Wolves and most recently Sheffield Wednesday in December.
They have since played one Championship game at home and that was a 4-0 thrashing of rock-bottom Rotherham ten days ago.
After their encounter against QPR, the north east club will welcome their former manager Steve McClaren and his Derby side to St James’ Park.
In other Newcastle news, supporters deliver their verdict on the January transfer window.
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