Michael Owen has predicted Newcastle United’s trip to face Tottenham at Wembley on Wednesday to end in disappointment for the Magpies.
The retired forward tipped Spurs to be winning at half time and full time, but did claim that Benitez’s side still had a good chance of finishing in the top 10 this season.
“Both sides suffered disappointing defeats at the weekend but I expect the hosts – with the carrot of a top four finish and Champions League qualification – to keep the points in the capital following this Wembley clash,” wrote Owen in his predictions for BetVictor.
“United have lost their last three, but are still in pole position for a top ten finish although, with Chelsea the visitors to St James’s Park on Sunday, it is fair to say they have a demanding last week of the season.”
The Magpies go into the game against Mauricio Pochettino’s side sat 10th, on the same points, 41, as Crystal Palace who sit just one place behind them.
OPINION
It’s nice that Owen still thinks the Magpies are in pole position for a top-ten finish in the Premier League, especially when you consider that their last games are against Spurs and Chelsea. Benitez’s side face a tough challenge picking up any points from their last two matches, as both the Blues and Spurs are trying to secure a top-four finish. The Magpies have been in a terrible run of form ever since securing their Premier League status, losing three on the bounce, but a good result against one of the Premier League’s big boys would brighten the mood at St James’ Park. Wednesday’s game is perhaps the easier of the two, as Pochettino’s team haven’t been in the best run of form either as of late. Spurs suffered a disappointing and shocking defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, with several key players under-performing. If Pochettino’s team fail to deliver a good performance once again, then it would be no surprise to see Benitez celebrating come the final whistle of Wednesday’s game.
