Newcastle United v Preston North End Betting Tips

In a last-16 stage that involves Liverpool v Tottenham and Manchester United v Manchester City, Newcastle v Preston probably isn’t the most eye-catching of ties, but it is decent looking fixture nonetheless and, more importantly, appears to represent a good betting opportunity.

Since both of these two teams are well within a shout of promotion this season – Newcastle top the pile on 31 points, while Preston are only three points outside the play-off place on 20 points – it would be a surprise if we weren’t to see some rotation ahead of this match, although both are still expected to take this tie seriously as a place in last-eight not only represents a solid footballing achievement, but it’s also particularly financially rewarding for clubs in the second tier of English football.

On paper Newcastle are just about the best side in the Championship and their current position reflects that, however, Preston are no mugs and, against a Newcastle side that might not quite be at full strength, the visitors are expected to compete.

A good bet to be on ahead of this one is ‘Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score’ at 7/5. Both teams have flexed their attacking muscles in recent weeks and they are fancied to continue doing so on Tuesday night.

Considering Newcastle have emerged as clear favourites to win the Championship many people will probably be expecting them to brush aside Preston on Tuesday night. Although, admittedly, it is hard to go against Newcastle from a win perspective, the visitors should be capable of making their presence felt. Just as many might be expecting Newcastle to win, there will be plenty of people who might not be overly optimistic about Preston’s chances of scoring in this match, but it’s highly likely that Newcastle will make changes and thus the playing field could be leveled somewhat. Although, even if this match came under normal league circumstances, Preston are a decent side and, perhaps more importantly, they are a side in form, so they would certainly be expected to compete.

In their recent outings, Preston have fared well, especially in an attacking sense. The visitors have scored in each of their last five matches, as well as in nine of their last ten (all-competitions). On top of this, Preston have scored in four of their last five on the road, netting a total of seven goals in this time. The fact that they’ve conceded in four of their last five away also bodes well. Preston also scored twice in the last round of this competition when they faced Premier League opposition Bournemouth away from home – another example of their ability to score goals against tough opposition.

As for the hosts, well, as well as creating the highest number of goal-scoring chances in the Championship this season (162), Newcastle have looked particularly good going forward of late and have scored in each of their last five, as well as in nine of their last ten. The hosts have also scored in four of their last five at home, scoring 12 goals in total. In addition, Newcastle have conceded in three of their last five at home and have kept just two clean sheets (in the league) at home this season.

All in all, both teams look more than capable of scoring goals in this fixture, so fans and punters alike are expected to be treated to an exciting, goal-filled game at St James’ Park on Tuesday night.

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