Newcastle United return to Premier League action on Saturday against Manchester City, and Paul Merson expects the Magpies’ woes to continue.
Former Arsenal forward Merson has predicted that Newcastle will lose once again this weekend, which would make it three defeats on the spin for Eddie Howe. That is something that has only happened once before since he became Toon manager.
It is going to be a big ask for Newcastle this weekend. They take on a Man City side that are gunning for the Premier League title, at a stadium where they have never won a Premier League game.
On top of that, Newcastle are on a bad run themselves. Their unbeaten league run was ended by Liverpool a fortnight ago, and then came the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester United.
Now the Magpies head to the Etihad, boasting a record of just one win in their previous seven Premier League games. Newcastle need a result to boost their top four aspirations, but Merson does not think they are going to get it.
Paul Merson thinks Manchester City will beat Newcastle
As part of his latest column for Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted the result of every Premier League this weekend. He thinks Pep Guardiola’s side are going to win 1-0 in Saturday’s early kickoff.
“This is a massive game for Manchester City and their title aspirations,” he wrote.
“I expect Arsenal to be five points clear and keep pushing relentlessly. Newcastle United have the quality to take the game to City on the counter.
“Newcastle are very good at the back. Even in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United, they defended well even though they conceded two goals. But one of those goals came from a set-piece and the other one was an own goal.
“The Magpies, however, need to get better at putting away their chances. That’s something they’ve struggled to do and that’s something they need to improve quickly.”
Newcastle could get chances on the break
While Newcastle will not go into the game as favourites, Howe will go into it expecting to get chances.
Even in last season’s 5-0 hammering at the Etihad, we had plenty of chances to score. We just didn’t take them, with Chris Wood guilty of missing a great opportunity.
Last time out we did take our chances, and drew 3-3 at St James’ Park. That was one of Newcastle’s best performances of the season so far.
If we can get close to the levels from that day then we have a chance. However, it is always more difficult playing away from home.
Man City will rightly be backed to pick up another victory, but they are not invincible. They concede chances and give away space in behind. With the pace of Alexander Isak, Allan Saint-Maximin and Anthony Gordon, we have the players to exploit that space.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
