Paul Merson makes prediction for Newcastle vs Norwich

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Newcastle United are taking on Norwich City in the Premier League tomorrow night, and Paul Merson has made his prediction ahead of the clash.

The Magpies will once again go in search of their first win of the season at St. James’ Park.

Eddie Howe was on the touchline for the first time as new manager against Arsenal on Saturday after returning a negative test for Covid-19.

But his presence could not inspire the players to a first victory.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli grabbed the goals for the Gunners, leaving Newcastle with six points from their 13 games so far.

Tomorrow night’s game against Norwich is massive for Newcastle.

They have come into some form recently and gone above the Magpies in the table.

It could be a tense old evening, but pundit Merson reckons Newcastle will finally run out winners.

Predicting a 2-0 Toon win, he wrote for SportsKeeda: “I can’t emphasise how massive the next four days are for Newcastle. If they don’t win their next two games, they probably will be relegated by the end of the season.

“They haven’t played a cup final in god knows how long – this is a cup final. It’s an absolute must-win game of the highest order. They’re already six points adrift, and they have to win these two games.

“If Norwich are brave, I think they can get something out of this. I think Norwich are going to sit back and let the hosts play, and that could play into Newcastle’s hands this week.”

Toon captain Jamaal Lascelles will miss the game through suspension. That could potentially mean a recall for Federico Fernandez.

Newcastle absolutely have to beat Norwich

Failure to win both of the next two games doesn’t bear thinking about.

Losing both would be a complete disaster, as it would totally deflate the supporters who have been fully behind Howe so far, and potentially destroy the confidence of the players.

As Merson says, it is a cup final.

Newcastle have actually created chances and scored goals this season.

The forward players need to ensure they are all on it against the Canaries, who have the second-worst defensive record in the division are last weekend’s results.