Chris Sutton Predicts Everton Edge Newcastle 2-1 at St James’ Park
As the Premier League enters its twelfth week, pundit Chris Sutton of BBC Sport has again raised expectations for an Everton victory at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park on Monday night. Sutton’s forecast of a 2-1 win for the Toffees comes despite a modest recent run of form for both clubs and a prediction record that has left him with only two points from eight league forecasts this season.
Recent Form and Context
Everton’s Season Overview
Sean Dyche’s Everton have been inconsistent, recording a 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion and a 0-2 defeat to Liverpool in their last two league matches. The team’s attacking output has been limited, with forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin yet to find the net in his past five fixtures, while midfielder James Maddison has contributed three assists.
Newcastle’s Current Situation
Newcastle’s Recent Performances
Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle have shown defensive stability, winning 2-0 against Aston Villa and 1-0 at home to Tottenham in their most recent matches. The Magpies’ back line, marshalled by Jamaal Lascelles, has kept clean sheets in two of their last three Premier League games, suggesting they are well‑prepared to blunt Everton’s attack.
Sutton’s Prediction Record
The Sutton Scorecard 2026/27
The table below summarises Sutton’s eight completed predictions for the current season, detailing his forecast, the actual result, and the points awarded according to the BBC’s scoring system (five points for an exact score, two for a correct result with the wrong score, and zero for a wrong result).
| Match | Sutton’s prediction | Actual result | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle vs Liverpool | 1-3 | 2-2 | 0 |
| Tottenham vs Newcastle | 2-1 | 0-2 | 0 |
| Newcastle vs Bournemouth | 2-1 | 2-2 | 0 |
| Leeds vs Newcastle | 1-1 | 4-1 | 0 |
| Newcastle vs Hull | 1-1 | 2-1 | 0 |
| Coventry vs Newcastle | 1-1 | 4-1 | 0 |
| Newcastle vs Aston Villa | 2-3 | 0-1 | 2 |
| Crystal Palace vs Newcastle | 2-2 | 0-2 | 0 |
Predictions scored: 8
Exact scores: 0
Correct results, wrong score: 1
Wrong results: 7
Total points: 2/40
Key Factors Influencing the Upcoming Clash
Tactical Outlook
Sutton highlighted the importance of Thierno Barry for Everton, noting that the forward’s recent goal against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup underscores the danger he poses when operating at speed. Conversely, he pointed out that Newcastle’s propensity to leave space in defence after committing men forward could be exploited by Everton’s quick transitions, especially through the runs of Conor Coady and Amadou Onana.
Implications for the Premier League Table
A victory for Everton would not only add three crucial points to their tally but could also shift the balance in the mid‑table scramble, potentially pushing the Toffees a few points clear of the relegation zone. For Newcastle, dropping points at home would be a setback in their pursuit of a top‑four finish, especially with Manchester United and Liverpool still in contention for the remaining spots.
Conclusion
While Chris Sutton’s track record suggests caution, his assessment that Newcastle’s open approach creates opportunities for Everton to “pinch the points” aligns with the current narrative of a tightly contested mid‑season battle. If the Toffees can capitalise on the spaces left by the Magpies, a 2-1 result – as predicted – may prove vital for their season’s trajectory. Fans will be watching closely to see whether the tactical battle described by Sutton translates into a decisive outcome on Monday night.
