Eddie Howe to receive Premier League gift on Newcastle United homecoming

The pundits believe Newcastle United are shoo-ins to relegate Ipswich Town this afternoon.

Eddie Howe is back in the dugout following his pneumonia battle and rejoins his squad still fighting for Champions League football. Two wins and a loss in his absence have the Magpies sitting fifth but with a one-game advantage over Manchester City and Aston Villa.

Ipswich travel to St James’ Park today knowing anything but a victory will condemn them to the Championship. The Tractor Boys must win every remaining fixture and hope West Ham United do not earn another point to have any prayer of survival.

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However, the experts have already doomed Kieran McKenna and Co to the bottom three come 5.30pm. NewcastleWorld has profiled the pre-match predictions and few Toon fans could have any complaints.

Chris Sutton

“It's great news that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will be back in the dugout for this game after his stay in hospital,” he told BBC Sport. “I don't see his side having any trouble securing the three points here, based on what I saw from Ipswich against Arsenal last week. That was game just wasn't a contest, even before Leif Davis was sent off.

“There is a lot at stake for the Magpies in the race for Champions League qualification, while it is just a matter of time until Ipswich's relegation is confirmed. We might see some anger in Newcastle's performance after their heavy defeat by Aston Villa but, ultimately, this should be a comfortable win for them.”

Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Ipswich

Paul Merson

“This fixture is the reason why Chelsea have to win because Newcastle are definitely getting three points here,” he wrote in his SportsKeeda column. “I can’t see anything else happening. I know that defeat against Aston Villa would have hurt Newcastle so much.

“They were flying before that and the emotions of joy were so high at the club ever since the Carabao Cup win. Listen, everybody is allowed to have a bad game. I expect them to take that loss to Villa on the chin and bounce back with a comfortable win.”

Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Ipswich

Mark Lawrenson

“This will be an easy win for Newcastle,” he told Paddy Power. “They were thumped by Aston Villa last week, I watched it and once they conceded the second that was that. When it was 1-1 you thought it could go either way but they’ll dust themselves off nicely here.

Prediction: Newcastle 3-0 Ipswich

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