Paul Merson compares Alexander Isak to Erling Haaland as he predicts Newcastle United vs Bournemouth

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Paul Merson has a ‘strong feeling’ about Newcastle United’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Saturday.

It is a tough game for the Magpies, as Eddie Howe aims to make it 10 straight wins for Newcastle United.

The run was extended to nine on Wednesday night when Newcastle United beat Wolves, but this should be much tougher.

Bournemouth are in good form, with Andoni Iraola’s side unbeaten in their last 10 games.

Fabian Schar is a doubt despite returning to training after illness, but Newcastle United will have their major stars against the Cherries. Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon will aim to continue their remarkable form, as they both enjoy hot streaks in terms of goals and assists.

Paul Merson predicts Newcastle United vs Bournemouth

With that in mind, Paul Merson has told Sportskeeda that he thinks Newcastle United will beat Bournemouth on Saturday.

The former Arsenal attacker also thinks Isak is better than Erling Haaland right now, after the Manchester City striker signed a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.

“I know Bournemouth have been playing really well, but I have a strong feeling about Newcastle winning this game,” he said.

“Bournemouth were blown away by Chelsea in the first half of that 2-2 draw in midweek. Newcastle are playing much, much better than Chelsea and they will be more ruthless in front of goal!

“In my opinion, Alexander Isak is the best no.9 in the Premier League right now. You look at Erling Haaland, and his body language isn’t as good as Isak. Of course, you can never count Haaland out because he can just score back-to-back hat-tricks and we will all be talking about him again. But honestly, it’s not looking like that at the moment.

“I believe Isak’s success is also due to the midfielders playing behind him at Newcastle. Sandro Tonali has returned to that midfield and formed a great partnership with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. Every single one of them is playing at the top of their game.

“It would be the perfect month for Newcastle if they can progress to the final of the EFL Cup and consolidate their grip on top four in the coming weeks. Some teams get into the top four and they go three games without a win before eventually falling behind. Newcastle must avoid doing that and I’m confident they will get the better of Bournemouth in a big win.”

Merson’s prediction: Newcastle United 3 Bournemouth 1

How Alexander Isak compares to Erling Haaland this season

On current form, Isak is certainly ahead of Haaland.

Isak has 16 goals in his last 16 games, and is on a run of scoring in each of his last eight Premier League games. He will be aiming to break Jamie Vardy’s record, which is 11 straight Premier League games.

Across his last eight Premier League games, Haaland has four goals.

However, the Norwegian is still ahead of the Swede in the overall rankings. Haaland has 16 Premier League goals this season, while Isak is one behind with 15. They are both behind Mo Salah, who is the Premier League’s top scorer right now with 18 goals.

Across all competitions, Isak has 17 goals in 23 appearances. Meanwhile, Haaland has 21 goals in 28 appearances, with five of his goals coming in the Champions League.

They will both hope to add to their tallies this weekend, with Manchester City facing Ipswich Town on Sunday.