Top-seven chasing Newcastle United host relegation-battling Luton at St James’ Park.
Victory would see Newcastle move up to seventh in the table, whilst Luton can go 16th with a win.
Team News
Alexander Isak is a doubt for Newcastle after he suffered a groin injury in their midweek win at Aston Villa.
Jamaal Lascelles (knock) is a doubt but Elliott Anderson (back), Matt Targett (hamstring), Nick Pope (shoulder), Sandro Tonali (suspension), Joelinton (quad), Joe Willock (Achilles), Harvey Barnes (foot) and Callum Wilson (calf) remain absent.
Luton could welcome Issa Kabore back from international duty following Burkina Faso’s exit at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Teden Mengi (knock) is a doubt but Mads Andersen (calf), Marvelous Nakamba, Jacob Brown (both knee) and Tom Lockyer (illness) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Newcastle entertain Luton at St James’ Park in a 3pm GMT kick-off on Saturday 3 February, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Newcastle lost their only previous Premier League meeting against Luton by 1-0 result away at Kenilworth Road in December 2023.
- Luton are winless in 11 previous top-flight visits to Newcastle, albeit in the Old First Division (D4, L7).
- Newcastle drew three of their last four top-flight meetings against Luton, of which two of the three draws ended in a 2-2 result.
- Eddie Howe’s Magpies have kept two clean sheets in their last five league matches at home (W3, L2).
- Luton’s Elijah Adebayo has scored the joint-highest number of headed league goals this season alongside Forest’s Chris Wood coming into this matchweek (4).
Prediction
With confidence now back after two successive away wins over Fulham and Villa in all competitions, Newcastle should feel confident that they can kick on after a clinical victory at Villa Park where they dominated with impressive game management and specifically in defence.
I however do feel that they could of dug into the transfer market for at least a loan signing to boost their striker options following Isak’s injury, because if he and Wilson end up injured together for a while then they could have issues as can’t rely upon Anthony Gordon until end of season.
Luton meanwhile beat Newcastle at home just before Christmas and were once again ruthless as they thrashed Brighton in a brilliant performance, during which they had fantastic pressing intensity and energy to their attack.
Now if Rob Edwards’ Hatters can bring that performance into this game, I expect them to give Newcastle a tough battle and it wouldn’t be surprising if this ends up as one of the unexpected results of the weekend.
Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Luton
Result: Newcastle 4-4 Luton