Paul Merson does not expect to be ‘shocked’ as he predicts Newcastle United vs West Ham

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Newcastle United are getting back to their best, and will hope to carry on their momentum against West Ham United on Monday night.

Premier League football returns this weekend after the international break, but Newcastle United fans have to wait until Monday to see Eddie Howe’s side in action.

Dan Burn is fearful that Newcastle have lost their momentum due to the international break, but a game underneath the lights at St James’ Park gives the Magpies a great opportunity to pick up where they left off.

If Newcastle are victorious, they will have won four games in a row. They face a West Ham United side that are desperate for three points, with Julen Lopetegui already fighting to keep his job after a disappointing start to his tenure at the London Stadium.

A Newcastle United win would inflict more misery on the Spaniard, and that is what Paul Merson is expecting.

Paul Merson predicts Newcastle vs West Ham

As part of his Premier League predictions for Sportskeeda, Merson has tipped Newcastle United to beat West Ham United at St James’ Park on Monday night.

“Newcastle are starting to pick up pace now,” he said.

“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.”

Merson’s prediction: Newcastle 3 West Ham 0

Newcastle United’s recent record against West Ham

A 3-0 win would be pretty emphatic, while it would also be Newcastle’s most decisive home win over West Ham since August 2017.

In recent years, Newcastle United’s record against the Hammers is pretty good, despite some very tight affairs.

In this fixture last season, the Magpies came from 3-1 down to win 4-3. Away from home, Newcastle and West Ham played out a 2-2 draw.

In the last 10 meetings between the two sides, Newcastle United have won five, drawn four and lost one.

Recent history and current form would dictate that this will be a Toon win, which is why Paul Merson has backed Eddie Howe’s side. Hopefully he is right with his prediction, although Newcastle do have centre-back problems heading into this game.

Dan Burn is suspended, while Emil Krafth is injured. That means that Lloyd Kelly will start for Newcastle.

Elsewhere, Newcastle are hoping to have Callum Wilson back in their squad. He has not played a single minute all season, but has scored more goals against West Ham than any other opponent.