Paul Merson predicts ‘riot’ at St James’ Park

6 hours ago 2

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Paul Merson speaking as Eddie Howe’s team are set to return to action at St James’ Park.

An 8pm kick-off on Monday night.

After a 15 day gap, Newcastle to be finally back playing football.

Paul Merson discussing the possibilities for Newcastle United in this match at home to West Ham.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Newcastle v West Ham:

“Newcastle are starting to pick up pace now.

“They have won three in a row and sit just a point off third-place.

“I can see them winning this game.

“If they start this game well, they will run riot.

“West Ham got absolutely rinsed by Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks back.

“I don’t even know how they beat Manchester United!

“I worry for West Ham, but I still think they will give Julen Lopetegui a lot more time.

“If they weren’t going to back him, they would have got rid of him after the draw with Everton before the international break.

“If you are counting on Lopetegui to turn it around against Newcastle here and Arsenal next, you are delusional!

“I don’t think he will be there long-term, but he still has time.

“West Ham have a clash against Leicester coming up in two games’ time, that’s a cup final and if he does not win, he won’t be in the job.

“I’d be shocked if West Ham get anything out of this game.

“It has Newcastle written all over it.

“I’m backing the hosts to slaughter West Ham and become a strong candidate in the race for top four.

“Prediction: Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 0”

So is Paul Merson on the right track here?

Could we see Eddie Howe’s team ‘run riot’ potentially at St James’ Park this Monday night?

Well outside the bottom six, only Brentford have conceded more goals than the 19 West Ham have leaked.

Their last away game was that 3-0 loss at Forest and arguably, that goalless draw at home to Everton was an even worse result.

When you read the comments from West Ham fans ahead of this game, it certainly feels like everything points to a match that Newcastle United can control and win.

They just have to go out now and prove that.

I have to laugh though, at how quickly things can change in football, this is what Paul Merson had to say before Newcastle United deservedly won against Arsenal and the Gunners barely threatened the NUFC goal:

“Newcastle beat Chelsea during the cup game in midweek, but I doubt they can back it up with another win on Saturday… I feel they are too open at the back and good teams can always pick them apart. Arsenal win for me in this one!”

Whilst even after Newcastle United proved him wrong, Paul Merson had this to say before the very last Newcastle match:

“I just haven’t seen enough from them [Newcastle] to think they will outplay Forest away from home on current form. Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2 Newcastle 1.”

Here’s hoping Paul Merson has got his prediction right for a change…

Newcastle United upcoming matches confirmed to end of January 2025:

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

Saturday 30 November – Crystal Palace v Newcastle (3pm)

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

Saturday 7 December – Brentford v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 14 December – Newcastle v Leicester (3pm)

Wednesday 18 December – Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm) Sky Sports+ (Carabao Cup)

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

Saturday 4 January – Tottenham v Newcastle (12.30pm) TNT Sports