Newcastle vs Luton Prediction, Odds and Tips: Back the hosts to win and both teams to score

After a fantastic 3-1 win against Aston Villa on Tuesday, Newcastle United take on Luton. Find below our preview of the action from St James' Park along with our best bets. 

Team news

Newcastle's long-standing injury problems are finally starting to ease and they could welcome back Harvey Barnes for the visit of Luton this weekend for the first time since September as he continues his recover from a foot injury.

With Alexander Isak still unavailable, the Magpies will be hoping they can also welcome back Callum Wilson in attack who continues to progress well in his recovery - although the likes of Joe Willock, Joelinton, Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Target, Nick Pope and Elliott Anderson all remain unavailable alongside the banned Sandor Tonali.

Tom Lockyer was back at Kennilworth Road in midweek to witness Luton's 4-0 win over Brighton, but he isn't expected to play again this season at least. Mads Juel Andersen and Marvelous Nakamba are also missing for the Hatters.

Newcastle needed Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa to boost their hopes of finishing in the European places this season as the victory moved them just three points behind current sixth-placed West Ham ahead of their game on Thursday.

That win was just Eddie Howe’s side’s second away success in the top flight all season as they had been largely relying on their home form to keep them in the top-six hunt.

The Magpies have won seven of their past nine home league matches but recent St James’ Park defeats to Nottingham Forest and Manchester City have been damaging.

Newcastle should prove too good for a Luton side that sits just one place above the relegation zone but the Hatters can play their part on Saturday in what should be an entertaining game.

Rob Edwards’ side stunned Brighton on Tuesday with a lightning quick start and they were full value for the 4-0 victory over the Seagulls.

They have shown plenty of signs of being up for the relegation scrap in recent weeks, scoring in each of their last nine league games, and they can trouble a Newcastle defence that has not kept a clean sheet in the top flight since mid-December.

Howe’s side have scored 12 goals in their last five outings in all competitions, while Town have hit nine in their last five so expecting at least three goals at St James’ Park between two rejuvenated sides seems realistic.