'Back on track': Chris Sutton now predicts who will win on Saturday - Newcastle or Luton

A little later than usual, but Chris Sutton has given his thoughts on this weekend's fixtures which includes Luton Town's visit to Newcastle United.

Quite often a case can be made for Paul Merson and Chris Sutton copying each other's homework as the two former Aston Villa men often make the same, if not very similar score predictions when it comes to Newcastle United and this week is no exception.

Chris Sutton has made his prediction for the BBC and is expecting Newcastle to want revenge for their 1-0 defeat to Luton at Kenilworth Road just before Christmas, and is confident that they'll get it.

Luton aren't to be underestimated (again)

Luton demolished Brighton midweek, and as such do need to be treated with respect. The scrappy Premier League newcomers are not rolling over for anyone this season and it's actually great to see.

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However, Sutton does think The Hatters will roll over at St James' Park.

"Both of these sides had impressive wins in midweek. Luton also beat Newcastle at Kenilworth Road before Christmas, and their confidence will have grown since then.

"The Magpies will want revenge for that defeat and I have a feeling they will get it. Alexander Isak's injury is a blow but I think they have enough goals in their team even if he is not fit for this game.

"Beating Villa ended a four-game losing run in the league for Eddie Howe's side and it does suggest they are back on track after all the speculation that they would have to sell players in January. Now they need to put a run of results together if they want to qualify for European football, because the race is really on there.

"Sutton's prediction: 3-1"

A Newcastle win is the order of the day

So, just like Paul Merson, Sutton has gone with a 3-1 win for the Magpies. Hopefully, they're both right, or at least on the right lines.

Jason Tindall offered a lot of hope for returning players in his press conference this morning but journalists have since spoke out to say to take what was said with a pinch of salt - let's be honest, even if it was Eddie Howe answering the questions, we'd still not believe what was said when it came to injuries.

However, if Newcastle manage to field an actual striker instead of having to bring Anthony Gordon in from the left to play down the middle, we could do some serious damage to Luton's goal difference if we play like we did on Tuesday.