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Mario Hezonja predictably forecasts Newcastle United to beat Cardiff

5 years ago
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Mario Hezonja is in the UK and will line up for New York Knicks against the Washington Wizards tonight (Thursday).

He joined the New York Knicks last summer after three years with Orlando Magic, having been with Barcelona previously.

Quite why 6ft 8in basketball star Mario Hezonja is a massive Newcastle United fan is anybody’s guess, like so many around the world, not just Geordie exiles. Quite bizarre with a club that never threatens to win anything, or even try to do so under Mike Ashley.

The 23 year old is from Dubrovnik in Croatia and recently met his hero Alan Shearer.

He is up against Mark Lawrenson this week in forecasting all the Premier League scores, Lawrenson going for a 2-0 win to NUFC, whilst like any true Newcastle fan, Mario Hezonja doesn’t expect the team to do it the easy way, going for a close 2-1 home victory against Cardiff on Saturday.

BBC Sport:

‘The Croatian small forward is set to play in Thursday’s NBA London game against Washington Wizards.

Hezonja, 23, is a Newcastle fan and is backing them to beat fellow strugglers Cardiff on Saturday.

While playing for Barcelona at the start of his basketball career, Hezonja was asked if he had been to see Lionel Messi in action at the Nou Camp.

“Let Messi come to see me”, was his response.

So, which NBA stars does Hezonja think are the best football players?

He told BBC Sport: “From what I’ve seen, Joel Embiid (of the Philadelphia 76ers) and Tony Parker (of the Charlotte Hornets). I have to say myself too!”

Mark Lawrenson talking to BBC Sport:

Newcastle replaced Cardiff in the bottom three last week, but it is hard to see either of these teams pulling clear of the relegation battle.

“Whatever happens in this game is not going to change that.

“Cardiff are trying to bolster their attack by signing Emiliano Sala for around £18m from Nantes, and loaning Oumar Niasse from Everton.

“All the clubs at the bottom of the table are short of goals and at least the Bluebirds are trying to do something about it.

“If Sala keeps them in the Premier League, he is worth every penny – so it is worth the gamble.

“There is no sign of Newcastle doing anything similar in the transfer market but I am still going with them to win this game.

“Whether or not Magpies boss Rafa Benitez really wanted to progress in the FA Cup or not, I think their win at Blackburn on Tuesday is a big thing.

“If your kids can win, like Newcastle’s did, you think ‘hold on a minute, maybe we are not that bad’.

“Prediction is Newcastle 2 Cardiff 0”

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