'I just can't see': Chris Sutton predicts the score as Newcastle United take on Crystal Palace

Newcastle United are back in action tonight (Wednesday) in a 7:30pm kick-off at St James' Park as they play out their game-in-hand with Crystal Palace live on Sky Sports.

It's a quick turnaround for Newcastle after their Sunday afternoon demolition of Manchester United, but the confidence that came from such a comprehensive win should carry them through this game tonight.

Crystal Palace started off really well against Manchester City on Sunday going into a 2-0 lead that was almost three were it not for the narrowest of offsides, but they soon capitulated and ended up losing 5-2.

That will certainly have taken the wind out of their sails ahead of tonight's crucial match for Newcastle in their race for Champions League qualification.

Chris Sutton thinks it will be close but Newcastle will win

Chris Sutton says he can't see anything other than a Newcastle win in his score prediction for the BBC, but his predicted scoreline is anything but convincing.

"Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has had a really tough time and the most important thing is that he makes a speedy recovery from his illness.

"His players put in a performance to make him proud in Sunday's win over Manchester United, and I can see them doing the same again here.

"The Magpies have won four games in a row and, with a top-five place in their sights, I just can't see past them winning this one too on current form, especially at home.

"It will be close though. Crystal Palace have picked up more points on the road this season than they have at Selhurst Park, and they caused Manchester City plenty of problems early on at the weekend.

"City fought back well to win after going 2-0 down, but we saw how Palace's plan worked early on and how dangerous they are on the break.

"They will do the same thing this time, with their wing-backs picking their moments to spring forward, and they will certainly pose a threat even if Newcastle have most of the ball.

"I think Palace will score, but Newcastle are going to be hard to keep out.

"I've always been a fan of Harvey Barnes and, with his competition with Anthony Gordon on the left flank, and Jacob Murphy on the other side, they have got lots of firepower alongside Alexander Isak.

"Sutton's prediction: 2-1"

Newcastle will have to be very wary of Crystal Palace's counter-attack

Sutton makes a good point about the counter-attacking threat Palace will pose, and as such, Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento will have to be very wary of that at all times, especially given their own penchant for going forward.

Once again, it's very hard to see anything other than a Newcastle win and I feel like I can say that now after being confident ahead of Sunday's game and having nothing to worry about in the end. My confidence curse is broken.

Oh no, what if I just got too cocky, and now it has been reinstated? Oh, man. If we get beat, it's on me, sorry.