Paul Merson has been talking about Newcastle United and the current scenario at St James’ Park.
The former Arsenal player speaks as the season’s thirty-second NUFC Premier League match approaches.
Eddie Howe and his team have already played forty-four matches across all competitions.
Paul Merson discusses the possibilities before of Newcastle United’s match at home against Tottenham.
Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Newcastle v Tottenham:
“Newcastle United had a tremendous win over Fulham, but I don’t recall them playing particularly well.
“Tottenham, on the other hand, were magnificent against Nottingham Forest, with Micky van de Ven proving his worth at the back with another eye-catching performance.
“I believe Newcastle will win 2-1 at St James’ Park.
“Tottenham need the points and have a tough run coming up, but I doubt they’ll lose to Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
“There is a result for them in that run somewhere, so I believe they will be safe and finish ahead of Aston Villa in the Premier League top four.”
“Prediction: Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1”
So, is Paul Merson correct here?
Hopefully!
They have had a wonderful season overall, but Tottenham’s away record over the last five months has been anything but impressive.
Spurs have only won two of their last nine Premier League away games.
Tottenham have lost to Wolves, Brighton, and Fulham in their previous nine Premier League away games, drawing only against Everton and West Ham.
It is also worth noting how unusual it is for Eddie Howe’s team to lose at home in the Premier League.
He has been in charge for 29 months, and Newcastle United has played 45 Premier League games at St James’ Park during that period.
They have only lost to four different clubs: Liverpool (three times), Manchester City (two times), Arsenal, and Forest once apiece.
That Forest game was a bit of a smash and grab, with the visitors scoring on the break and Newcastle being poor in defence and wasting countless chances at the other end.
As the stats above show, winning at St James’ Park against Eddie Howe’s side usually necessitates a particularly strong performance. Regardless of the conditions…
Given the circumstances, it appears like at least 12 or 13 players are out today, with Joe Willock joining the injury list and Lewis Hall a doubt.
With more choices, particularly good adjustments that could occur during the game, I would have been convinced that Newcastle would win.
I still believe they can, and hopefully Paul Merson will be proven accurate; however, a lot will depend on those who start the game with no further injuries, and Lewis Hall may also be cleared to play.
