Paul Merson has released his prediction for Saturday’s trip to Wales, expecting it to end 1-1 – with him describing it as a “massive football match, even so early in the season.”.
I don’t agree with him much, but it’s hard to argue with this statement. This is a big big game for both sides.
It’s early days, but for us we’re looking to get points on the board after an opening day defeat. We are already under pressure to get results with daunting games against Chelsea, Man City and Arsenal to follow after this one.
For Cardiff, they struggled in their opening day trip to Bournemouth and you suspect their home form will be key to any hopes they have of surviving. It’s their first home game back after five years away from the top flight and they’ll be hoping for a big performance.
Here’s Merson’s pre-match thoughts and prediction via his latest piece for Sky:
“This is a massive football match, even so early in the season.
“Cardiff failed to score at Bournemouth, who let in goals for fun, but I think this will be a hard game for Newcastle.
“Newcastle lost at home to Tottenham and they need to make sure they don’t lose this one, too.”
Merson’s prediction: Cardiff 1-1 Newcastle
So, Paul has had us down to draw our opening two games of the season, but would a point in this one be a good one?
It’s their first game back and a game which is bound to drum up a very good atmosphere, but it’s one Benitez will be eyeing all three points without any shadow of a doubt.
How do you see it panning out?
