Newcastle United - Luton Town predictions and free betting tips [03/02/2024]

On Saturday, 3rd February, as part of the 23rd round of the EPL, Newcastle United will host Luton Town on their home ground. This week, the Magpies devastated Aston Villa in their own den with a 1:3 score, while the Hatters left Brighton out in the cold with a 4:0 victory.

Predicted Line-up

Newcastle: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Miley, Guimaraes, Longstaff; Murphy, Almiron, Gordon.
Luton Town: Kaminski; Bell, Osho, Burke; Ogbene, Barkley, Lokonga, Doughty; Clark, Morris; Adebayo.

Stadium

The match will take place in Newcastle at St. James' Park.

Newcastle United

Having returned to the Champions League following last season, Newcastle have significantly decelerated in the current campaign. The Magpies' qualification for the European cups seems to be illusory (they are 11 points behind the top four), but the hosts remain optimistic. The striped ones dealt comfortably with Aston Villa this week with a 1:3 score, ending their four-game losing streak in the championship.

The hero of the match was Fabian Schär: the Swiss centre-back instinctively nodded in Kieran Trippier's corner delivery and was in the right place at the right time to finish off Anthony Gordon's shot; followed by an own goal by Alex Moreno just seven minutes into the second half, effectively killing the suspense. Eddie Howe's charges advanced to the next round of the FA Cup last weekend, defeating Fulham with a 0:2 score. In three of their last four home games, Newcastle have suffered defeats, including encounters with Nottingham Forest and Manchester City. 

Luton Town

Having earned their spot in the EPL following the last season, Luton Town, quite logically, are battling for survival. Currently, the team sits in 17th place in the Premier League table and is just one point away from the relegation zone while having a game in hand. Rob Edwards' squad initially got off to a rather rocky start, but they've found their stride in the last few weeks, losing only one game in their last five rounds, winning thrice and drawing once.

This week, the Hatters triumphed, thrashing Brighton 4:0 at home: Adebayo scored a hat-trick, and Ogbené netted another in the second half. Last weekend, they advanced to the FA Cup's 1/8 finals, beating Everton 1:2. It's worth noting that the visitors have yet to secure victory in this year's campaign. Luton's Captain Locker is expected to be out long term following a heart attack he suffered in mid-December.

Head-to-head

On December 23rd, the Hatters achieved a hard-fought 1:0 victory at Kenilworth Road, their first-ever against the Magpies in the 21st century.

Match Prediction for Newcastle vs Luton

Luton haven't won at St James' Park since 1937, and given that Edwards' charges have yet to secure an away victory this season, a similar result seems unlikely now. Newcastle, extremely motivated to fight for a spot in Europe, simply cannot afford to stumble at home against the team with the smallest budget in the EPL. The Magpies' previously injured leaders are gradually returning to the line-up, so I confidently predict a Newcastle victory with a -1 handicap.

Over/Under Prediction

Newcastle boast a formidable attacking line, and Luton concede over two goals per away match this season. I expect the favourites to score at least two goals.

Corner Prediction

Newcastle will undoubtedly regain the initiative and besiege the opponent's goal, so I expect the Magpies to have at least six corner kicks.

Yellow Card Prediction

Luton is one of the least aggressive EPL teams this season, earning an average of just 1.8 yellow cards per game. I predict Luton will receive under 2.5 cautions.

Score Prediction

I predict a final score of 2:0 in favour of Newcastle.