Paul Merson has suggested that Newcastle United could ‘run away with it’ against Southampton on Saturday.
The Magpies begin the new Premier League season with a traditional 3pm kick-off at St James’ Park against newly promoted Southampton, with Eddie Howe‘s side the favourites to pick up all three points.
It is a real chance for Newcastle United to start the season positively, although it is unlikely that Howe’s starting XI will feature any new signings. Lloyd Kelly is the only contender, but it feels likely that the 25-year-old will be on the bench.
As for Southampton, their side will not include Ryan Fraser, despite the Scot playing an important role in the Saints winning promotion. He has a deal in place to move there permanently, but Russell Martin has admitted that Southampton are ‘unlikely’ to sign Fraser now.
Regardless of whether Fraser does or does not return, it will be interesting to see how Southampton perform back in the Premier League. They played excellent football in the Championship last season, but it is the type of football that could be punished in the top flight.
Paul Merson shares Saints concern as he predicts Newcastle vs Southampton
That is Paul Merson’s fear, as he predicts Newcastle United vs Southampton for Sportskeeda.
“Southampton play good football, but they’ll need to change it up in the Premier League,” he said.
“We saw it last season with Burnley – they kept shooting themselves in the foot last season. Vincent Kompany has now got the Bayern Munich job, and that sums it up – everyone’s fascinated by the ball rolling out the back these days.
“These teams have got to be flexible. Southampton have got to go to Newcastle and keep the crowd quiet. You can’t be passing the ball out the back and have it knocked off you – Newcastle will run away with it.
“Newcastle will be competitive again this season, and they’ve got quality players. They’ve made steady progress. Newcastle have got to stay fit and if they do, they’ll have a good season.
“There are not too many worse places to visit at the opening weekend if you’re Southampton. Newcastle should be able to win this game.”
Merson’s prediction: Newcastle 3 Southampton 0
High pressing Newcastle can hurt Southampton
Last season, Russell Martin’s side showed a real desire to play out from the back. They were not afraid to take risks, and it ended with them winning promotion back to the Premier League.
However, their bravery is more likely to be punished in the top flight – and Newcastle are the perfect side to dish out that punishment.
Eddie Howe’s side play on the front foot and like to win the ball high up the pitch. They did it brilliantly against Girona in a friendly last week, and it resulted in the Magpies winning 4-0.
Newcastle pounced on Girona’s sloppiness time and time again, with Joelinton’s power and anticipation providing the platform for an emphatic victory.
The hope will be that Newcastle can produce something similar against Southampton. If the Saints give them the opportunity, Newcastle could blow them away.
That is what Merson is expecting, as he predicts the Magpies to win 3-0. Howe’s side are very much the favourites going into this game, with Jamie Carragher predicting a Newcastle win too.
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