Don Hutchinson makes bold Newcastle prediction ahead of Sandro Tonali return

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Sandro Tonali is available for selection as Newcastle United face Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening.

The Italian midfielder has been banned for the last 10 months after an investigation into betting offences.

However, Sandro Tonali is now back available for Eddie Howe‘s side and could feature for Newcastle United in their League Cup clash.

Newcastle have started their Premier League campaign by picking up four points from their first two matches, but it has been far from convincing from the Magpies.

They put on a combative display against Southampton to pick up three points in their opener after going down to 10 men, but were extremely lucky to leave Bournemouth with a point after a controversial disallowed goal in injury time.

Forest are up next in the cup before a blockbuster clash against Tottenham at St James’ Park on the weekend – Howe will hope that Sandro Tonali‘s return to the side gives them a much-needed boost.

Don Hutchison makes bold Newcastle prediction

Newcastle narrowly missed out on European football this season due to Manchester United’s FA Cup success.

But without the stress of midweek European games, many have backed Newcastle to improve on their seventh-placed finish from last year.

Speaking on ESPN, Hutchison suggested Tonali’s return will be like a new signing for Newcastle before giving an ambitious Premier League prediction.

“They’re getting a player [Tonali] I think that brings a bit of energy, brings quality obviously,” Hutchison said.

“I think Newcastle fans feel as though they want a statement signing so they are desperately after Marc Guehi.

“But he will be like a new signing when he comes back to the side.”

Hutchison then revealed his Premier League predictions for the season, where he predicted Newcastle to finish the Premier League season in fourth ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham.

Sandro Tonali is like a new signing

Tonali only made 12 appearances for Newcastle before being handed a 10-month ban, so in many ways the £55million signing will be like a new player for the Toon.

READ MORE: Sandro Tonali shares who his best ‘friend’ at Newcastle has been this past 10 months

It has been an underwhelming summer window so far for the Tyneside club, but with Tonali returning and Newcastle pushing hard to sign Marc Guehi, they could yet end the window on a high.

In Tonali, Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes Newcastle have a formidable midfield trio who could lead them on a charge for a top-four finish.