Paul Merson has just predicted who will win on Saturday… Newcastle United or Brighton

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Paul Merson has provided his prediction for Newcastle United’s final home game of the season, as the Magpies welcome Brighton to St James’ Park.

While the Seagulls’ form has dipped, Newcastle United still have a lot to play for as they prepare for three massive fixtures.

After their clash with Brighton, the Magpies have away trips to Manchester United and Brentford, as they aim to secure European qualification. Michael Owen has already tipped Newcastle to beat Man United at Old Trafford, but Eddie Howe‘s focus will be on Saturday’s game versus Brighton.

Newcastle United aim to go out in style at St James’ Park

Given how poor Newcastle’s record has been on the road, it is vital that Howe’s men pick up all three points this weekend. It is their final game at St James’ Park, where they have once again been excellent.

There have been a couple of poor results, notably against Luton Town and Nottingham Forest, but overall it has been another strong campaign on home soil.

And Newcastle will want to end it that way when they entertain a Brighton side who are 11th in the Premier League, nine points behind the Magpies.

Regardless of their drop off, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are more than capable of denting Newcastle’s European aspirations. However, Paul Merson does not expect that to happen.

Paul Merson predicts Newcastle vs Brighton

As part of his weekly column for Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted the score of Newcastle vs Brighton.

“Brighton got a great result against Aston Villa, but Newcastle are on a bit of a run and look well set to finish the season on a positive note,” he said.

“I fancy them to carry on, so I’m going for a big home win here.”

Merson prediction: Newcastle 3 Brighton 0

Repeat of last season would be perfect for Newcastle

In the reverse fixture, Newcastle were extremely poor. Brighton played Howe’s side off the park at the Amex Stadium, as the Seagulls enjoyed a very bright start to the campaign.

it is now roles reversed at the end of the season, with Newcastle the only side that is likely to qualify for Europe again.

This fixture was pivotal in Newcastle making it into the Champions League last year, as they beat Brighton 4-1 at home in what was their third last game of the season. It was a decisive win, and one that pretty much guaranteed Newcastle a place in Europe’s elite competition.

While Champions League is not attainable this season, Europa League or Europa Conference League is. That is more than acceptable after an incredibly tough year, and a win on Saturday will drag Newcastle even closer to a second consecutive year in Europe.