Paul Merson predicts the winner of Leeds vs Newcastle on Saturday

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Newcastle United head to Elland Road on Saturday, tasked with taking on a Leeds United side that are clinging on to their Premier League status.

The last time Newcastle and Leeds met at Elland Road, both sides were at risk of dropping down to the Championship. Eddie Howe’s team won on that occasion, in a result that catapulted the Magpies to the heights they are experiencing today.

But it is another relegation battle for Leeds, who start the weekend in 19th place. They are two points adrift, meaning that a win in this weekend’s early kickoff will lift them out of the bottom three – at least temporarily.

For Newcastle, it is all about finishing in the top four. The Magpies have a three point lead over Liverpool, who are threatening to creep into a Champions League place. Their recent form as got Newcastle and Manchester United looking over their shoulders.

With so much on the line, it is set to be a massive game in Yorkshire – and one that Paul Merson believes the away side will win.

Paul Merson thinks Newcastle will win 2-0

In his latest column for Sportskeeda, former Arsenal forward Merson has predicted that Newcastle will beat Leeds 2-0 on Saturday.

“This is a game that could have major ramifications in the top four race and the relegation battle,” he wrote.

“If Newcastle United win this, they’d only need one more win to secure a top four spot. It’s a massive football game.

“Leeds need to win this match. But I can’t see anything but a Newcastle United win here. Sam Allardyce needed more time. They have four games remaining and one of it is Manchester City away. They also have Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham and none of them are favorable fixtures for Leeds United.

“I’m going to go with Newcastle United here. I don’t see Newcastle not qualifying for the Champions League. Despite a rather tough set of fixtures coming up, they should be able to make it to the promised land.”

Merson confident of Newcastle finishing in the top four

While he incorrectly predicted that Newcastle would draw with Arsenal last week, Merson is pretty confident that Howe’s side are going to be a Champions League club next season.

The Magpies are within touching distance, but can’t afford to slip up this weekend. With Newcastle playing in the early kickoff, it is a chance to put Man United and Liverpool under real pressure. They face Wolves and Leicester respectively.

While Liverpool’s form is worrying, it is still in Newcastle’s hands. That is probably why Merson has such faith. The majority of Toon fans will think differently, as they are well aware that it’s the hope that kills you.

But Newcastle have not let us down all season, and have responded to every setback. The loss to Arsenal was just that, and Howe will ensure that his side are well placed to bounce back against Leeds.