Paul Merson gives his Newcastle United verdict | OneFootball

Paul Merson speaking as Eddie Howe’s team are preparing to host at St James’ Park.

A 3pm kick-off on Saturday afternoon.

Newcastle having put in two very different performances these past ten days.

Performing so well against Liverpool, especially in terms of goal threat.

Then after a first half where they played well but ended up 2-2 at half-time due to two excellent Brentford finishes (helped by not great defending), United were terrible in the second-half of that eventual 4-2 defeat at the GTech Community Stadium.

Paul Merson discussing the possibilities for Newcastle United in this home match against Leicester City this afternoon.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Newcastle v Bournemouth:

“I know Bournemouth have been playing really well but I have a strong feeling about Newcastle winning this game.

“Bournemouth were blown away by Chelsea in the first half of that 2-2 draw in midweek.

“Newcastle are playing much, much better than Chelsea and they will be more ruthless in front of goal!

“In my opinion, Alexander Isak is the best No.9 in the Premier League right now.

“You look at Erling Haaland and hisbody language isn’t as good as Isak. Of course, you can never count Haaland out because he can just score back-to-back hat-tricks and we will all be talking about him again. But honestly, it is not looking like that at the moment.

“I believe Isak’s success is also down to the midfielders playing behind him at Newcastle.

“Sandro Tonali has just returned to that midfield and formed a great partnership with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. Every single one of them is playing at the top of their game.

“It would be the perfect month for Newcastle if they can progress to the final of the EFL Cup and consolidate their grip on top four in the coming weeks.

“Some teams get into the top four and they go three games without a win before finally falling behind.

“Newcastle must avoid doing that and I’m confident they will get the better of Bournemouth in a big win.

“Prediction: Newcastle 3 Bournemouth 1”

So is Paul Merson on the right track here?

Well, I think he is pretty much on the mark here with everything.

Bournemouth are doing well this season and are unbeaten in their last nine Premier League games. However, it is also true that they have won just one of their last four PL matches and only two of the last six.

Checking the stats and indeed, Chelsea did batter Bournemouth for much of Tuesday night’s 2-2 draw, although the Cherries can be dangerous, as it showed when they came back from a goal down to lead 2-1, only to concede a late equaliser in the fifth minute of added time.

Chelsea had double the Expected goals stat of Bournemouth whilst Chelsea had 10 v 3 in terms of shots on target, 26 v 7 in terms of overall shots, plus 9 v 3 on corners.

The Chelsea keeper made only one save! Whilst Bournemouth’s made 8.

As Paul Merson says, if Alexander Isak and his teammates are on form in front of goal,, no reason why this shouldn’t make it ten wins in a row for Newcastle United.

Newcastle United upcoming matches:

Saturday 18 January – Newcastle v Bournemouth (12.30pm) TNT Sports

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports (League Cup)

Weekend of Saturday 8 February – Birmingham v Newcastle TBC (FA Cup)