After both teams celebrated impressive wins this week, Newcastle United and Luton Town aim to keep their positive momentum going in Saturday’s Premier League game at St James’ Park.
Newcastle defeated Aston Villa 3-1 at Villa Park, while Luton crushed Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0.
Match preview
Newcastle’s Fabian Schar finally scored after 73 unsuccessful shots in the Premier League, netting twice against Villa from just two attempts.
Schar’s goals and an own goal by Alex Moreno secured Newcastle’s victory. Ollie Watkins’ goal for Villa hinted at a comeback, but Newcastle held on to win, marking their third consecutive away victory across all competitions.
Despite recent struggles, Newcastle still hopes for European competition, sitting in seventh place before Manchester United’s match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
While Newcastle has excelled away from home in 2024, their recent home performances have been less successful. However, Luton holds pleasant memories from their last meeting with Newcastle.
Luton’s victory over Brighton was historic, featuring Elijah Adebayo’s hat-trick. This win moved Luton out of the relegation zone and extended their unbeaten run to five games.
Luton seeks their first away clean sheet of the season and aims to end a long streak without a win at St James’ Park.
Team News
Newcastle’s Schar shone against Villa, but Alexander Isak might miss the upcoming game due to injury. With Callum Wilson also injured, Joelinton and Harvey Barnes unavailable, and several other players missing the midweek game, Newcastle faces selection challenges.
Luton’s Issa Kabore could return after Burkina Faso’s Africa Cup of Nations exit. Jacob Brown might recover in time for the game, but Marvelous Nakamba and Mads Andersen are still sidelined. Tom Lockyer continues his recovery.
Both teams may field similar lineups to their recent victories, with potential adjustments due to injuries.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United starting lineup:
Dubravka;
Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn;
Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff;
Murphy, Almiron, Gordon
Luton Town starting lineup:
Kaminski;
Bell, Osho, Burke;
Ogbene, Barkley, Lokonga, Doughty;
Clark, Morris;
Adebayo
Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Luton Town
Despite Luton’s win in December and Newcastle’s recent home struggles, expect Newcastle to edge out Luton in this encounter.
Luton hasn’t won at St James’ Park since 1937, and despite their search for a defensive breakthrough away from home, Newcastle might secure a victory even without their main strikers.
