Paul Merson expects Newcastle United’s winless run to continue against Fulham this weekend.
The Magpies are finally back in action after the international break, and are desperate to put three points on the board. Eddie Howe’s side have only won once this season – the opening day triumph over Nottingham Forest.
Since then, Newcastle have drawn five and lost one. How you rate their start to the season depends whether you’re a ‘glass half full’ or ‘glass half empty’ kind of person.
Overall, the performances have been decent. The only real disappointment was the Bournemouth draw just before the international break.
The trip to Craven Cottage will be another big test for the Magpies, especially as Fulham have started the season so well. They are currently in sixth position, and are yet to taste defeat at home.
It should be an exciting game, and Merson has had a go at predicting what the score will be.
Merson predicts Fulham vs Newcastle
As part of his column on Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted the result of every Premier League game this weekend. The former Arsenal striker thinks Newcastle and Fulham will draw 1-1, and has explained why.
“This is going to be a really good game,” he wrote.
“I watched Newcastle in their previous game, and I thought they struggled without Allan Saint-Maximin. I do like how Eddie Howe sets up his teams, however, and I think they’ll be difficult to beat this season.
“I’m impressed with the way Fulham have started their Premier League campaign – they always have a go at teams! Aleksandar Mitrovic seems to be scoring every week and if I had to go with someone here, I’d pick Fulham.
“Newcastle also have impressive players in their ranks, however, and a draw is a more probable outcome.”
Merson’s assessment is a fair one
While he thinks it will be a draw, Merson is giving Fulham the edge. That’s understandable given that they are the home side.
It’s hard to judge how Newcastle will do against Fulham at the moment. It might largely depend on who is fit and who is not.
Toon fans will fancy their chances if Bruno Guimaraes is named in the starting XI and if Allan Saint-Maximin is fit enough for the bench. Having the option of bringing the Frenchman on would be a huge boost.
However, Fulham must not be underestimated. They have started the new season really well, and look much more comfortable at Premier League level than they have in the past.
While Newcastle have struggled in front of goal, we are proving to be difficult to beat. That quality should serve us well away from home.
If Merson is right and the Magpies do draw 1-1, it will make it six league games without victory. That is a worrying record that Howe will not want to be associated with.
Fingers crossed that Merson is wrong and Newcastle return from London with three points.
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