Former Chelsea striker makes shock Newcastle vs Everton prediction supporters will hate

Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has backed Everton to stun Newcastle United at St James’ Park tonight.

The Magpies are flying high after coming from behind in thrilling fashion to beat West Ham United 4-3 on Saturday. Harvey Barnes proved the difference-maker to remind Toon chiefs what convinced them to fork out £38million last summer.

That win took Newcastle to within a point of the Hammers – despite playing a game less. Another home clash gives Eddie Howe’s men the chance to close the gap in the race for European football.

However, former Blackburn Rovers, Celtic and Chelsea striker Sutton believes Everton – just as they did in December – will upset the apple cart. The 51-year-old has predicted a 2-1 win for the visitors, who are winless in 12 Premier League games.

“I was at St James’ Park to see Newcastle’s late comeback to beat West Ham 4-3 and there is a lot to admire about Eddie Howe’s side,” Sutton told the BBC. “They found a way of winning the game, and it was great for Harvey Barnes to come on and change the game the way he did after missing so much of the campaign.

“My concern for them here is how much that will have taken out of them. Their squad was already injury-ravaged and now their captain Jamaal Lascelles is out for several months too.

“I am taking a bit of a punt here, especially given that Everton have gone 12 league games without a win, but I think Newcastle are so stretched and put so much into it on Saturday, that it will catch up with them here.

“Everton’s big problem is still in attack because they really struggle to find the back of the net but they do create chances and I have a sneaking feeling they will get a result here, just like they did when they beat the Magpies 3-0 at Goodison Park in December.”