Football pundit Ian Wright has backed Newcastle United to remain in the Premier League this season and has praised the leadership ability of captain Jamaal Lascelles.
In only his first full season at the helm of the club, manager Rafa Benitez led the Magpies to the Championship title last term and instant promotion to the Premier League.
Many were however skeptical over whether the club would be able to survive this season in the top flight after they failed to secure the services of numerous summer transfer targets.
Benitez himself even publically criticized the clubs board for failing to back him sufficiently during the transfer window.
The club however, have so far performed modestly claiming 10 points from several games to lie in 9th place. They also claimed a creditable draw against Liverpool during the weekend.
When asked about which of the three promoted teams have the best chances of surviving this season, Wright named Newcastle.
Wright said, “I quite like Newcastle, I like their captain, Jamaal Lascelles, I like the way he talks, I like the way he plays. If they can nick a couple more goals up front, in respect of getting them to settle down when they’re playing well in a game, and there’s a great noise up at St. James’ Park, then I fancy them.”
