Pundit Paul Merson has shared a bold claim alongside his prediction for Newcastle United’s fixture against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Taking to his Premier League predictions column for Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal player suggested this match-up won’t be a walk in the park for the Magpies, as the north-east side have been struggling to score goals as of late.
“This is a massive game for both teams,” Merson wrote.
“Newcastle don’t blow anybody away, do they? They stormed out of the traps against West Ham and I thought they’d be flying, but West Ham deserved the draw in the end.
“Newcastle need to score more goals. They’re great defensively, but they haven’t been able to make an impact going forward. They remind me of the Arsenal team that I used to play for. It’s hard to keep winning games by a 1-0 margin and relying on your defence every week.
“If Newcastle can win this game, it’ll get really tight in the top-four race. They’ve got a cup final coming up as well and they can’t afford to take their eye off the ball. They’ve been defensively brilliant, and I think they’ll be able to win this game.
“Prediction: Bournemouth 0-1 Newcastle United.”
Merson thinks Newcastle will beat Bournemouth
The Tyneside outfit currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, just three points behind Manchester United.
Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on them in fifth, with just one point fewer.
However, Newcastle has a game in-hand over both teams. This means a win over Bournemouth on Saturday would see the Toon level with the Red Devils on points – and ahead on goal difference.
This would really make the race for the top-four interesting, as the Magpies continue to show why they deserve a spot in next year’s Champions League.
Merson doesn’t seem overly impressed with Newcastle this term, having lamented their offensive abilities.
However, for a team who have won ten and drawn ten of their 21 matches this season, they really can’t be doing too badly.
Merson aside, Eddie Howe will be confident heading into the game against his former club on Saturday.
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