Newcastle v Boro Expert View

Newcastle v Boro Expert View

We take a look at what the experts think ahead of tonight's Tyne/Tees derby.

BBC Sport - Mark Lawrenson

It's the match of the season for both teams - their respective young managers have almost admitted that whichever loses will be relegated.

It will be a full St James' Park and Newcastle will be spurred on by their fans but their problem is that they have no great pace in the side.

Both teams have put themselves under so much pressure to win the game, I don't think either will.

Prediction: 1 - 1

Sky Sports

Newcastle United entertain local rivals Middlesbrough in the most eagerly awaited Tyne-Tees derby in years.

The two clubs are entrenched in the relegation battle, with only goal difference separating them.

One to watch: Mark Viduka

Prediction: 0 - 0

Setanta Sports

It’s do or die as Newcastle and Middlesbrough go head-to-head in the relegation battle – and it’s all live on Setanta.

PIVOTAL PLAYER: Mark Viduka. He may not be what he was, but Viduka has the strength and technique to send his old club down if he gets the service.

Prediction: 1 - 0

ITV Football

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has been attempting to play down the significance of tonight's clash with Newcastle but he's fighting a losing battle. The simple fact is that the team who loses tonight will surely be heading into the Championship next season. And if that's not bad enough, the experiences of Charlton, Southampton, Leeds and a whole host of others in recent seasons shows that if you go down once, there's a good chance you could slip even further.

Prediction: The game is too hard to call and is set to be a nail-biter.

Football 365

Derby day in the north east is a big occasion regardless but this could be the most significant one for both clubs as they scrap for every point on offer in a bid to stay in the top flight.

Sharing the spoils does neither much good in terms of the bigger picture so a small bet on the visitors to grasp the initiative at 11/4 gets a very tentative vote.

Prediction: 0 - 1

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