Paul Merson makes shocking prediction for Manchester City vs Newcastle United

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson does not think Newcastle United are going to lose against Manchester City this weekend.

The Magpies are back in Premier League action on the back of qualifying for the Carabao Cup final and advancing in the FA Cup. The quest for a trophy must now take a backseat, as Newcastle United turn their attention to the Premier League.

Eddie Howe’s side face a Manchester City team that are a shadow of their former selves, but are still incredibly dangerous.

It is going to be a very challenging game, but Newcastle are boosted by Anthony Gordon being fit. He missed the win over Birmingham City with a thigh problem, but has trained ahead of the game at the Etihad Stadium. Elsewhere, Dan Burn and Sven Botman are doubts.

Paul Merson predicts Manchester City vs Newcastle United

Anthony Gordon will immediately return to the Newcastle United starting XI, as the Magpies aim to pick up another huge result against one of the ‘big six’.

That is what Paul Merson is expecting, with the former Arsenal attacker telling Sportskeeda that he thinks Eddie Howe’s side will win on Saturday.

“The big problem for Manchester City is that they have to face Real Madrid just four days after this game,” he said.

“This is why the Premier League is tough. Real Madrid were in action against Atleti four days before the first leg against City, but that happens only once in a blue moon in LaLiga!

“Newcastle at home will be a massive challenge for City. I don’t know what I will get from City anymore. The way City started that game against Real Madrid, they could have been 2-0 or even 3-0 down in the opening stages. Later they got a grip on things and looked like their best self before giving it away in the end. They are too up and down during games and that’s a problem.”

Merson added: “Newcastle will have one eye on the Carabao Cup final and that could be a problem in the race for top four. The players could even hold themselves back due to the fear of getting injured and missing the cup final. If you’re a Newcastle fan, you would pick the Carabao Cup trophy any day instead of a place in the Champions League though! I’m not sure the owners will think the same way, but Newcastle fans know this is their best chance of tasting some silverware again. I don’t see how Man City can win this game and I’d be shocked if Newcastle get beat, even though they’re away from home.”

Merson’s prediction: Manchester City 1 Newcastle United 2

Newcastle United’s record away to Manchester City

The fact that Merson thinks Newcastle United will beat Manchester City away from home speaks volumes.

Since Man City started playing at the Etihad, the Magpies have only ever won there once. That came in October 2014 when Alan Pardew’s side won 2-0 in the League Cup. On that night, Rolando Aarons and Moussa Sissoko scored for Newcastle United.

There is no one from that Newcastle United team still at the club following Paul Dummett’s St James’ Park departure last summer.

In the Premier League, the last time Newcastle United beat Manchester City away from home was September 2000. Back then, City were playing at Maine Road as Alan Shearer scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the Toon.

Newcastle have played 21 times at the Etihad, winning one, drawing two and losing 18.