Brighton’s fortuitous 1-1 draw against Aston Villa last Friday, coupled with Newcastle’s comfortable 2-0 win against Leeds on Sunday means that Newcastle now sit 5 points above second placed Brighton.
Newcastle’s game this weekend is a home game against lowly Blackburn and, therefore, most people will not be surprised if Newcastle extend their lead at the top of the table, especially since Brighton have a tricky match against 8th place Fulham.
Should Newcastle go on to gain an expected three points, they will have won 10 successive games in all competitions for the first time since 1994-95. That would be 9 successive league wins in a row, and only once in their league history have they put together a run longer that that (13 in 1992 under Kevin Keegan).
Form is definitely in Newcastle’s favour as Blackburn have lost their last three away games; only by a single goal mind you. However, it is safe to say that, for once, history isn’t on the Magpie’s side as Rovers have won 5 of their last 6 visits to St James’ Park (although they did lose the last encounter back in 2011). Newcastle fans will be hoping that Danny Graham is in Blackburn’s starting XI as he is yet to score in 8 games against the Magpies.
Regarding selection, Jonjo Shelvey is available for Newcastle as no date has been set for his charge of racially abusing Wolves’ midfielder Roman Saiss. They have no other injury issues to deal with. Blackburn, on the other hand, will be missing Marvin Emnes after he picked up a hamstring injury. Furthermore, Gordon Greer, Danny Guthrie, Tommie Hoban, Adam Henley and Elliot Ward are all still out.
Score prediction: 3-1 Newcastle.
