Paul Merson latest verdict on Newcastle United – Ahead of facing his club

2 weeks ago 15

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Paul Merson speaking as Eddie Howe’s team are set to host Arsenal.

A 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday.

A third game in a six day stretch for Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United squad.

Paul Merson discussing the possibilities for Newcastle United in this match at St James’ Park.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Newcastle v Arsenal:

“This is a huge game for Arsenal.

“It’s one where you kook at it and think ‘Arsenal must win this one.’

“Liverpool face Brighton this weekend and they already beat them in the Carabao Cup in midweek, so we’re expecting the same result again.

“You also expect Manchester City to beat Bournemouth so Arsenal cannot afford to slip up.

“Arsenal are sitting back in games too much now. I know they have key players missing out due to injuries, but they should’ve attacked more against Liverpool last weekend. Even if a draw is still a fair result for them, Arsenal weren’t as free-flowing as they were before and that’s a problem.

“The old Arsenal were entertaining, now they’re just sitting back and counter-attacking.

“If you do that every week in this league, you will get found out soon.

“I hope this change in strategy is only due to the players they are missing at the moment.

“After the trip to Newcastle, they face Chelsea away from home.

“These two games are crucial for the Gunners, they must find a way to win both!

“Newcastle beat Chelsea during the cup game in midweek, but I doubt they can back it up with another win on Saturday.

“Alexander Isak seems to have returned to form and Anthony Gordon is always a threat with his pace.

“But I feel they are too open at the back and good teams can always pick them apart.

“When they have all their players in good form, Newcastle are a proper team, but that isn’t the case at the moment.

“Arsenal win for me in this one!

“Newcastle 1 Arsenal 2.”

So is Paul Merson on the right track here?

He says that ‘good teams can always pick them apart’, well against Man City, Spurs and Chelsea this season at St James’ Park, Newcastle have scored five goals and only conceded two.

Indeed, in all home matches this season, Eddie Howe’s side have only conceded three goals in six games.

With Nick Pope back in goal, it makes a massive difference.

In the Premier League, Arsenal have failed to win four of their last seven matches and whilst Newcastle also have a number of ongoing key injuries, no reason why United can’t get at least a point today, maybe three,,,

Newcastle United upcoming matches confirmed to end of January 2025:

Saturday 2 November – Newcastle v Arsenal (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Sunday 10 November – Forest v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Monday 25 November – Newcastle v West Ham (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 30 November – Crystal Palace v Newcastle

Wednesday 4 December – Newcastle v Liverpool (7.30pm) Amazon

Saturday 7 December – Brentford v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 14 December – Newcastle v Leicester (3pm)

W/C Monday 16 December – Newcastle v Brentford

Saturday 21 December – Ipswich v Newcastle (3pm)

Thursday 26 December – Newcastle v Villa (3pm) Amazon

Monday 30 December – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports