Paul Merson and Chris Sutton disagree over Crystal Palace vs Newcastle United prediction

Newcastle United head to the capital to take on Crystal Palace tonight looking to record three consecutive Premier League wins for only the second time this season. It is a feat they have not managed in the top flight since September.

A four-match unbeaten run has lifted Eddie Howe's team up to sixth in the standings with six matches remaining. But Chris Sutton does not fancy the Magpies to pick up a positive result at Selhurst Park. Writing in his weekly BBC prediction column, the former Celtic striker has backed Palace to win 2-1.

He said: "Crystal Palace will be buzzing off the back of their big win over West Ham on Sunday. Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise sparkled again alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta up front and having those two back fit has been huge for new Eagles boss Oliver Glasner in terms of increasing his side's attacking threat.

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"Newcastle have found a bit of form recently too, but I fancy Palace to edge it. They look completely safe from relegation now so they can play with a bit of freedom, but Eze and Olise will make the difference."

Ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson, though, expects United to maintain their improved run of form and is predicting a 2-2 draw. Merson told sportskeeda: "Who saw that Crystal Palace performance coming the other day?

"They have three matchwinners in attack with Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta. In my opinion, that's the best front three in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

"Newcastle United would have looked at this one as a winnable game a couple of weeks ago, but the situation has changed dramatically. I'm going for the two sides to share the spoils in an entertaining contest."