Paul Merson predicts who will score more out of Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade and Benjamin Sesko this season

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Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade is currently outscoring Manchester United’s Benjamin Sesko.

Ironically, Newcastle bought Woltemade after being turned down by the Slovenian centre-forward.

The Magpies pushed to bring him to St James’ Park as an Alexander Isak replacement, only for Sesko to choose Manchester United.

That decision is yet to pay dividends, with Sesko enduring a tough start at Old Trafford. As for Woltemade, he has really impressed during his two Toon appearances. Woltemade’s debut was one to remember, while he played a part in Anthony Gordon’s Champions League goal against Barcelona.

The giant German will hope to shine again on Sunday against Bournemouth, while Sesko will attempt to open his Man United account versus Chelsea.

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Paul Merson backs Nick Woltemade to better Benjamin Sesko as he predicts Bournemouth vs Newcastle United

Given Newcastle’s interest in Sesko and the fact both strikers have arrived from the Bundesliga, there will be plenty of comparisons made across the 2025/26 season.

Paul Merson has weighed in, telling Sportskeeda that he believes Woltemade will score more goals than Sesko this season.

He has also backed Newcastle United to pick up a point on Sunday, as he predicts the Magpies’ trip to Bournemouth.

“This will be a good game to watch,” he said.

“Bournemouth are flying and Newcastle got their first win last weekend. Nick Woltemade reminds me of Peter Crouch! He has a good brain, comes deep and gets people involved, that is literally the same way Crouch played. My only demand is that Woltemade has to get back in the box a lot more. Sometimes, he just gets too involved in the build up.

“Based on what we’ve seen so far, you’d be shocked if Woltemade doesn’t score more goals than Sesko this season. He has two wingers who will feed him so well, like they did in that win over Wolves. United, on the other hand, don’t have that type of wingers. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo would rather have a crack at goal themselves than feed Sesko.

“I expect an entertaining game with plenty of goals here, don’t miss this one!”

Merson’s prediction: Bournemouth 2 Newcastle United 2.

Eddie Howe’s record against Bournemouth with Newcastle United

Newcastle United’s chances of getting a positive result against Bournemouth will be boosted if Woltemade performs well and finds the back of the net again.

That is what Eddie Howe will be hoping for, as he attempts to do something he has never done as Newcastle United manager.

Since replacing Steve Bruce at St James’ Park, Howe has failed to beat his former club Bournemouth in the Premier League. Whether it has been home or away, the Magpies have struggled against the Cherries in the league.

Under Howe’s management, Newcastle have recorded four draws and lost twice against Bournemouth. The most recent meeting saw Andoni Iraola’s side win 4-1 at St James’ Park, with Justin Kluivert netting a hat-trick.

Since leaving Bournemouth and joining Newcastle, Howe has only beaten his former club once. That came in the 2022/23 Carabao Cup, when the Magpies won 1-0 courtesy of an Adam Smith own goal.