Newcastle vs Sheffield United predictions as former Celtic and Arsenal stars agree

If Newcastle United have realistic ambitions of challenging for a European place then games like Sheffield United at home are must-wins. Eddie Howe and Co won't take the Blades likely, of course, and will have no doubt noted their two goals scored at Old Trafford in midweek.

However, they came in a 4-2 defeat at Manchester United and while Chris Wilder's side have shown plenty of attacking prowess at times, their defensive vulnerabilities mean they could well be relegated at the final whistle on Saturday afternoon. While there been some big challenge for Newcastle to overcome this season, the Blades have found a return to the Premier League a step too far at this stage, and Wilder is already planning for next season.

That doesn't mean they're not looking to swing a few more punches before they exit the top-flight, and Newcastle will have to show the levels they hit against Spurs, and not the rather timid performance against Crystal Palace. As usual, the Premier League pundits have given their predictions - here's what they're saying.

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Paul Merson

"Sheffield United have conceded four goals in each of their last two games and got well beaten by Manchester United despite putting up a fight." Merson told Sportskeeda. "Newcastle were on the wrong end of a beating by Palace the other day, but they are a good team at home and should get all three points against the basement dwellers.

Prediction: Newcastle 4-0 Sheffield United

Chris Sutton

"Sheffield United will be relegated if they lose this game but it is going to happen sooner or later even if they avoid defeat." Sutton wrote in his BBC predictions. "The Blades have lacked quality in all areas but they have known they are going down for a while now, and the important thing for them is how they regroup for next season.

"Newcastle put eight goals past them at Bramall Lane in September and I am pretty sure they will cut through them pretty easily this time too. I am going to give Sheffield United a goal, but that is all they will get."

Prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Sheffield United

Mark Lawrenson

"Newcastle will be looking to put that loss to Crystal Palace in the week right and what a strange result it was." Lawrenson told Paddy Power. "Newcastle still have players out but it seems Alexander Isak is back in the mix."

Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Sheffield United

Harry Redknapp

"Newcastle weren’t great against Palace the other night," Redknapp told BetVictor. "They’d been on a decent run of form but they didn’t really lay a glove on them. They’ve still got a small chance of qualifying for Europe this season, but they might have to win every game from here on in.

"Every credit to Sheffield United for going to Old Trafford and having a go. At this stage of the season, why not go to these away grounds and try and get some goals. I’ve got to pick Newcastle here though. They’ve been strong at home all season and should routinely win this. With so many English attackers playing well, Anthony Gordon will need to keep his form up to seal his Euros spot."

Prediction: Newcastle 2-0 Sheffield United