Paul Merson is at it again with Alexander Isak as he predicts Newcastle United vs Ipswich Town

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Alexander Isak and Newcastle United are very much expected to beat Ipswich Town on Saturday.

The Magpies are looking for a response to their defeat to Aston Villa, as Eddie Howe returns to work.

The Newcastle United manager will be back in the dugout for the game against Ipswich Town, having recovered from pneumonia.

That is a boost for the Magpies, who know that a win will lift them up to third in the Premier League table as they aim to secure Champions League football. It would also relegate Ipswich to the Championship.

Paul Merson predicts Newcastle United vs Ipswich Town

Eddie Howe’s side are massive favourites for Saturday’s game, with Gary Neville backing a Newcastle win.

Paul Merson agrees, having gone for a Toon victory as part of his Premier League predictions for Sportskeeda.

“This fixture is the reason why Chelsea have to win because Newcastle are definitely getting three points here,” he said.

“I can’t see anything else happening. I know that defeat against Aston Villa would have hurt Newcastle so much. They were flying before that and the emotions of joy were so high at the club ever since the Carabao Cup win.

“Listen, everybody is allowed to have a bad game. I expect them to take that loss to Villa on the chin and bounce back with a comfortable win.”

Merson’s prediction: Newcastle United 3 Ipswich Town 0

Merson makes Champions League claim about Alexander Isak

Not for the first time, Merson has turned a Newcastle United prediction into a discussion about Alexander Isak’s future.

The 25-year-old is a man in demand, despite Newcastle not planning to sell Isak.

• Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

According to Merson, Champions League qualification will have a huge impact on the Sweden international’s future.

“Alexander Isak is expected to attract interest from a few clubs this summer,” he said.

“But I feel like he could play the waiting game before he decides on his future.

“Newcastle could be playing Champions League football next season and have already tasted silverware. Let’s not forget that they are a big club and if they qualify for the Champions League, they are an attractive project to be a part of for any player. I think Isak surely wants to be involved in the Champions League next season and that could play a key role here.

“Arsenal seem like the best possible move for him if he leaves Newcastle though. If the Gunners get him, they will win the league by 10 points!”

With five games to go, Newcastle United are in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
3	Man CityManchester City	34	18	7	9	66	43	23	61
4	Nottm ForestNottingham Forest	33	18	6	9	53	39	14	60
5	NewcastleNewcastle	33	18	5	10	62	44	18	59
6	ChelseaChelsea	33	16	9	8	58	40	18	57
7	Aston VillaAston Villa	34	16	9	9	54	49	5	57

They are desperate to finish in the top five, as bringing Champions League football back to St James’ Park could go a long way towards retaining Howe’s top stars.

That includes Isak, who deserves to be playing at the highest level.

He could be able to do that on Tyneside – as long as Howe’s men get the job done in the remaining five Premier League games.

If Newcastle can combine Champions League qualification with a shiny new contract offer then Isak will surely be going nowhere. Newcastle want Isak to be their highest paid player, as they prepare to discuss his future.

No matter what happens, suitors like Arsenal will seriously struggle to get Isak out of St James’ Park. Given his form and the length of time remaining on his current contract (he has a deal until 2028), Newcastle are in a strong position to command a huge fee.