Paul Merson has predicted for Crystal Palace to beat us 1-0 this weekend – saying that it was worrying how we ‘completely and utterly went’ after Arsenal took the lead last weekend.
The Sky pundit has made a habit of riling us Newcastle fans with some of his uninformed assessments over the past year, however I totally agree with what he’s had to say here (for once).
As he alludes to, we were the better team in the first half, but our total lack of response to Arsenal’s opening goal was alarming – with us showing a worrying lack of fight and intensity given that is what we prided ourself on last season.
Here’s what he’s had to say during his weekly set of predictions for Sky Sports:
“Palace were very fortunate last week at Huddersfield. Newcastle were a touch unlucky against Arsenal, they were the better team in the first half but as soon as they went behind, wow, they completely and utterly went.
“From a Newcastle perspective that worries me.
“I see Palace just edging this one.”
Merson’s prediction: Crystal Palace 1-0 Newcastle
As things stand, I think he might be right with his prediction too.
If Shelvey and Lascelles are fit, Kenedy rediscovers some form and Rondon starts then I’m hopeful, but Palace are a dangerous team – with Wilfried Zaha having the ability so single handedly win a game for them, as well as Tomkins’ return shoring up their defence.
Do you agree with Merson’s comments and prediction?
Totally Agree
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