Newcastle must kick on again

No damage done last week with Southampton winning at Watford (after flirting with disaster at 2-2) and QPR and Cardiff both scoring at Loftus Road. We were also right about Crystal Palace, though they went the whole way at West Brom rather than merely picking up a point. They definitely will not go down.

I think Hull probably will, though. There has been highly creditable improvement of late but they lack quality in several areas and the problem now is that the relegation places are becoming clearer and if Middlesbrough cannot find some goals from somewhere they will join Hull and Sunderland as strong candidates.

Hull will have to beat Swansea on Saturday to keep hope well and truly alive but the Swans have improved at least as much and can take at least a point. Paul Clement has done an excellent job in a short period of time.

Although I have had a good bet on Newcastle in the Championship, I feel uneasy while Brighton cling on to their coat-tails. Derby are desperately disappointing and Steve McLaren comes across as a terminal loser in British football but it still surprised me that they capitulated so easily at Brighton on Friday night. You have to wonder how long he will last if they finish in mid-table, which now seems more than likely.
It all means that NEWCASTLE will have to beat an improving Fulham to open up a three-point gap again and I think they can manage this all right. The temptation is the price, with Betway going a remarkable 10/11. I doubt very much that they will be able to hold that up and 8/11 is likely to be the going rate. With Dwight Gayle fit again, Newcastle can win this with a bit to spare.

My value bet is BOURNEMOUTH to beat West Ham. Although far from safe, they play football a little way removed from the standard below them and did extremely well at Manchester United last week. Mings has been very harshly punished for an accidental transgression in that match and Eddie Howe cannot field his strongest team but the Cherries can turn it on at home and West Ham are a fitful, unpredictable side. These two generally provide goals and that may well be the way of it again but I believe Bournemouth can win and take a significant step away from danger.

Hull v Swansea 10 units THE DRAW at 12/5
NEWCASTLE 30 units at 8/11 to beat Fulham
BOURNEMOUTH 15 units AT 13/8 to beat West Ham