Chris Sutton predicts what the score will be between Sheffield United and Newcastle

Newcastle United will need to rotate this weekend following their Champions League exploits midweek, but Chris Sutton thinks they will still have enough to beat Sheffield United.

Following their 0-0 draw against AC Milan, the Magpies now shift their focus back to the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s side is on the road again, as they head to Bramall Lane on Sunday for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff.

It is going to be a challenging game for Newcastle. They will be expected to win, but it will be the side’s first match after a European fixture. That could have an adverse effect, with a lot of Howe’s players looking shattered at full-time in the San Siro.

Howe will likely make changes to his starting lineup to keep his side fresh, one of which may see Callum Wilson return. He was outstanding against Brentford in our last Premier League game.

Whoever Howe brings in, BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton believes they will have enough quality to make it back-to-back victories domestically.

Chris Sutton predicts Newcastle will beat Sheffield United

Sutton has predicted the scores of every Premier League game this weekend for BBC Sport, and has backed Newcastle to win 1-0 against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

“The onus is going to be on them [Sheffield United] to be more attack-minded in this game, and it’s going to be interesting to see how Newcastle cope after they played in the Champions League in midweek,” he wrote.

“Eddie Howe’s team got away with it a bit against AC Milan on Tuesday, because they didn’t play well – but it was a great point for them in the end.

“It wasn’t just at the San Siro where Newcastle haven’t clicked because they have not really done that very often this season, but they are going to gel at some point.

“They have got enough depth now to rotate their squad in midfield and attack, which is important, and I think they will get the job done at Bramall Lane one way or another.”

Sutton’s Newcastle assessment is a little harsh

While he may have backed Newcastle to win on the road, Sutton has hardly been too complimentary towards the Magpies.

The former Chelsea striker does not think Howe’s side played well at the San Siro, which is a little harsh. Sure, we were very poor offensively and struggled to create chances. But at the other end of the pitch we were outstanding, shutting out the Italian giants.

At the end of the day, it was a Champions League game in the baking heat against AC Milan, and Newcastle did brilliantly to get a point.

But they will have to be better against Sheffield United, and hopefully should be. With all due respect to the Blades, this is not as daunting an away trip.

However, Sheffield United are no mugs, and will be ready to capitalise on any tiredness of complacency from Newcastle United.