Newcastle United have seen their form drop significantly in recent weeks, with the Magpies now losing four consecutive matches and tumbling down the Premier League standings.
Defeats to Burnley, Bournemouth, Manchester United and Watford have left Rafael Benitez’s side looking over their shoulder, as they now sit just four points above the relegation zone and face a difficult run of fixtures between now and the New Year.
Tonight’s midweek game against fellow strugglers West Brom, who currently sit three points behind Newcastle in the standings, is therefore extremely significant but one pundit is predicting another night to forget for the supporters.
Writing in his weekly predictions for the BBC, former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has backed West Brom to win 2-1 at the Hawthorns to inflict a fifth consecutive defeat upon the Magpies.
“West Brom played very well at Wembley under caretaker manager Gary Megson, and it looks as though he will be in charge again for this game. It feels like a good time to play Newcastle, who have lost four games in a row, because their confidence will be very low.”
“There will also be a very different atmosphere at The Hawthorns compared to previous weeks because many Baggies supporters wanted Tony Pulis out. This is their first home game since his departure so some of their fans will be celebrating that.”
If results go against Newcastle in the coming days, the Magpies could find themselves in the relegation zone after the weekend’s fixtures- where Benitez faces a stern test against Chelsea.
