If Paul Merson expects this to happen, he must be certain that we’re going down..

Paul Merson is predicting more misery for Newcastle United this weekend – backing Southampton to beat us 1-0  this weekend despite their ‘atrocious’ home record, with the Saints winning just once at St Mary’s since November last year.

Given he had us down to beat Brighton 1-0, we’ll have to hope he gets it wrong once again (and he often does), but the fact he expects them to beat us shows just how little he must rate us. He must be pretty certain we’re heading down based on this prediction.

What does concern me is the fact they’ve won just one home game since the back end of last year. This sounds backwards as it should be a real positive for us, but Brighton hadn’t won an away game in their last 17 attempts until they came to St James’ Park..

Here’s what Merson’s had to say to Sky ahead of the game, stating that he cannot see us scoring in what he predicts to be a ‘tight, tense and nervy’ game:

“I hope this is not my game on Soccer Saturday! Both teams will be keeping it tight.

“The pressure might be off Newcastle in this one as Southampton’s home record is atrocious. They could do with a win for their fans, who will be expecting one. Newcastle will be in this game but I cannot see them scoring.

“Southampton will just prevail in a tight, tense, nervy game with Danny Ings or Charlie Austin being the difference.

“Southampton 1-0 Newcastle.”

Looking at their recent results at home, this really would be a horrible game to lose – especially in our current predicament.

Let’s hope Merson is proved wrong and that their atrocious home record continues, with our need for our first three points of the season now becoming desperate.