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7 months ago
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Paul Merson has been discussing Newcastle United and the current situation at St James’ Park.
The former Arsenal player speaking, with now approaching the thirty second NUFC Premier League match of the season.
Eddie Howe and his players having played forty four matches in total already, in all competitions.
Paul Merson discussing the possibilities ahead of Newcastle United playing at home to Tottenham.
Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Newcastle v Tottenham:
“Newcastle United got a great result against Fulham but I can’t recall them playing particularly well.
“Tottenham, on the other hand, were outstanding against Nottingham Forest, with Micky van de Ven showing his class at the back with another eye-catching display.
“At St James’ Park, I fancy Newcastle, so I’m going for a 2-1 home win.
“Tottenham need the points and have a bit of a nightmare run coming up, but I doubt they lose to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
“There is a result for them in that run somewhere, so I think they’ll be safe and finish above Aston Villa in the Premier League top four.
“Prediction: Newcastle 2 Tottenham 1”
So is Paul Merson on the money here?
Hopefully!
They have had a great season overall, however, the away record of Tottenham these past five months is anything but impressive.
It shows that in their last nine Premier League matches on the road, Spurs have only won two of those nine.
Amongst those last nine PL away games, Tottenham have lost to the likes of Wolves, Brighton and Fulham, whilst only drawing away against teams such as Everton and West Ham.
It is also worth pointing out, just how rare it is for Eddie Howe’s side to lose at home in the Premier League.
He has been in charge for 29 months and Newcastle United have had 45 St James’ Park Premier League matches in that time.
They have only lost to four different clubs, those having been Liverpool (x3), Man City (x2), then Arsenal and Forest once each.
That Forest game was a bit of a smash and grab with the visitors scoring on the break, plus Newcastle weak at key moments in defence and missing numerous chances at the other end.
Usually, as is shown by the stats above, it takes a really good performance for a team to win at St James’ Park, up against Eddie Howe’s side. No matter the circumstances…
Those circumstances today see what looks at least 12, possibly 13 players missing, with Joe Willock joining the injury list and Lewis Hall a doubt for today.
With more options, especially during the game positive changes possible, I would have been very confident that Newcastle could get the win.
I still think they can and hopefully Paul Merson will be proved correct, however, a lot could rest on those who start the game picking up no further injuries and also key, could be Lewis Hall passed fit to play as well.
Newcastle United matches now confirmed for rest of the season:
Saturday 13 April 2024 – Newcastle v Spurs (12.30pm) TNT Sports
Wednesday 24 April 2024 – Crystal Palace v Newcastle (8pm)
Saturday 27 April 2024 – Newcastle v Sheff Utd (3pm)
Saturday 4 May 2024 – Burnley v Newcastle (3pm)
Saturday 11 May 2024 – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)
Wednesday 15 May 2024 – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports
Sunday 19 May 2024 – Brentford v Newcastle (4pm)
(The final day of the season live TV matches will be selected closer to the day but all 10 PL games will be same time same day)
Wednesday 22 May 2024 – Tottenham v Newcastle (at MCG – Melbourne Cricket Ground)
Friday 24 May 2024 – A-League All Stars team v Newcastle (at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne

 
