Newcastle United have no time to feel sorry for themselves, as they are back in Premier League action against Fulham on Saturday.
After their heartbreaking Champions League exit on Wednesday, the Magpies are back at St James’ Park with an immediate chance to kickstart the healing process.
They take on an in-form Fulham side that have won their previous two games 5-0, which is exactly what Newcastle fans want to hear after three crushing defeats on the spin.
Following the loss to Milan, this game has suddenly become even bigger. It is vital that Newcastle pick up all three points and move on from their Champions League catastrophe.
Paul Merson believes that the Magpies will do exactly that, and has predicted Eddie Howe’s side to get back to winning ways.
Paul Merson predicts that Newcastle will beat Fulham
As part of his latest column for Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted that Newcastle will beat Fulham 3-1 on Saturday.
“I said a few weeks back that Fulham are in a relegation battle because they could score a goal at the time, but they’ve gone mad since! They can’t stop scoring and it’s absolutely amazing,” he wrote.
Newcastle will be devastated after yesterday as they were so close to the knockouts, but now they’re out of Europe altogether after finishing fourth in their group.
“They have to pick themselves up and show up against an in-form Fulham team but will also have one eye on the cup game against Chelsea. Newcastle haven’t won a trophy since I was born and I’m 55! For a club of that size, it’s been too long.
“Fulham are on a bit of a mad run, but I expect the home side to show their class in this one.”
Newcastle play Fulham at the worst possible time
It is absolutely vital that Newcastle get back to winning ways on Saturday. The defeats to Everton and Tottenham were bad enough, but to follow them up with Champions League elimination was absolutely crushing.
All Newcastle can do now is focus on their domestic duties, starting against Fulham. But we could not have picked a worse time to be playing them. They will arrive full of confidence, while ours has been shattered as of late.
But Howe and his players will be under no illusions that they need to bounce back, especially with Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter final against Chelsea.
Our season is at risk of unravelling over the next few days, and we must beat Fulham on Saturday to help ensure that does not happen.
Merson expects Newcastle’s quality to shine through, and hopefully he his correct.
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