Paul Merson predicts Southampton vs Newcastle United and makes new Alexander Isak claim

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson expects a response at Southampton after Newcastle United’s winning run came to an end.

The Magpies tried to make it 10 in a row last weekend, but fell short. Newcastle United lost to Bournemouth, as Andoni Iraola’s side played Eddie Howe’s men off the park.

It was a crushing end to a staggering run, with Newcastle United back in the mix for Champions League football and chasing silverware.

The Premier League is the focus right now, with the Magpies set to take on the Premier League’s bottom side. They beat Southampton on the opening day of the season, with Joelinton scoring the only goal.

That game is best remembered for Fabian Schar’s controversial red card.

Paul Merson predicts Southampton vs Newcastle United

Hopefully there will be no incidents like that down on the south coast, as Newcastle United aim to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth.

Paul Merson thinks they will do exactly that, with the former Arsenal attacker telling Sportskeeda that he thinks Eddie Howe’s side will beat Southampton in emphatic fashion.

“Newcastle losing 4-1 at home to Bournemouth shows how difficult it is to make accurate predictions in the Premier League,” he said.

“Let’s be honest, even a loyal Bournemouth fan did not see that coming! But if you’re Newcastle, you can’t ask for a better game than this to get back on track.

“If Southampton had taken their chances, they could have gotten a result against Manchester United. But that shows how bad United are and not the other way around. I expect Newcastle to slaughter them. I just can’t see Alexander Isak not scoring against Southampton.

“Eddie Howe wouldn’t have been happy with the loss to Bournemouth. If you look at Liverpool or Arsenal, you wouldn’t expect them to lose 4-1 at home when they are in the middle of a dream run. Newcastle must change that about them and I expect them to bounce back in style.”

Merson’s prediction: Southampton 0 Newcastle United 4

Alexander Isak’s record against Southampton

Alexander Isak’s goalscoring run ended last weekend. He had scored in eight consecutive Premier League games, which is a record for a Newcastle United player. However, he was unable to make it nine, as he failed to find the net against Bournemouth.

That was a shame, but Isak is still in red hot form. He has 17 goals in total, with 16 of them coming in his last 17 appearances.

READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots

Merson expects the 25-year-old to add to his tally at St Mary’s, but that will mean doing something that he has never done before.

Since joining the Magpies and becoming Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, Isak is yet to score against Southampton.

The Sweden international has played against the Saints on four occasions and boasts a 100% win record. However, he has not scored in any of those games.

Isak is yet to score against Southampton, but does have three assists to his name. He will aim to break his Southampton duck, as Newcastle United target another three points.