Newcastle vs Sheffield Wednesday Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

This is a big game at the top end of the table and one which Newcastle will be expected to win but it could be one of their toughest examinations of the season as the Owls won’t cave in like some sides have when they’ve come up against the Magpies.

Sheffield Wednesday under Carlos Carvalhal are a tough nut to crack and they come into this game in good form having won 4 of their last 5 matches. 3 of those wins were to nil and they have only conceded 1.05 goals per game in the Championship this term and have one of the best away defensive records with only 1.09 goals per game let in.

When they play in tough away games Carvalhal usually packs the midfield and makes them tough to break down and that will surely be his approach here. In 2016 alone he has guided his side to 0-0 draws in tough away clashes at Brighton, Hull and Norwich and the pragmatic Portuguese boss isn’t one of those managers who will take unnecessary risks to try and win games where a point would be a good result.

This match certainly falls into that category and they can take hope from the fact that Newcastle have already suffered 3 home defeats this season in the Championship. Despite being the division’s top scorers, they’ve failed to score in 20% of their home fixtures and both teams have scored in only 41% of their games overall. With a busy festive period ahead, Benitez is likely to rotate his side a bit and if they can get a 2 goal lead here, he may be tempted to withdraw some of his key men rather than chase a big win.

They will have to work hard to get themselves in that position though. The Owls will be tough to break down and they have already won at St James’ Park under Carvalhal thanks to a stubborn defensive display in the League Cup last season, so they might just fancy they can make a really good game of this. There have been under 2.5 goals in a huge 73% of Wednesday away fixtures this term and given that backing Under 2.5 & Both Teams to Score – No at 11/10 looks like it could be a good shout here.