Paul Merson has predicted Newcastle United to pick up a point against Chelsea tonight, backing the game to finish in a 1-1 draw.
The Sky Sports pundit admits he ‘wouldn’t be shocked’ if the Toon left victorious, saying it’s a ‘big compliment’ to Newcastle that he just can’t see Graham Potter’s side pulling off an away win.
Merson feels this ‘very interesting game’ could be key to our top four hopes, but warned us not to get ‘caught up in the occasion’ in our last Premier League outing before the World Cup break.
Chelsea are coming off the back of two disappointing defeats where they massively outplayed by both Brighton and Arsenal, while Newcastle are looking to make it five consecutive victories in the league.
One thing that Merson believes will play to our advantage is that Potter ‘doesn’t know what his best team is’, suggesting the Magpies could capitalise on Chelsea’s transitional phase as their boss tries to figure out who he can rely on.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson had this to say ahead of the game:
“This is going to be a very interesting game. Chelsea were blown away by Arsenal last week. If they lose to Newcastle now, they may well find themselves 16 points away from the top of the Premier League table.
“Graham Potter did well for some time when he first came in, but he’s not Brighton’s manager anymore. He can’t afford to lose to Arsenal at home and then say that they were the better team on the day. You can do that with Brighton but at Chelsea, the fans will ask questions.
“If I asked a hundred Chelsea fans to name their best team for the game this weekend, not a single one of them would be sure. That’s not the case with Arsenal, and it’s a worrying sign for Chelsea.
“Potter can’t keep changing his team. He’s been there for nearly two months, and he still doesn’t know what his best team is. With Chelsea, I think the recent results have caught up with the changes at the club. If they lose this match, Liverpool would go past them, and I wouldn’t be shocked if that does happen.
“Thomas Tuchel never lost consecutive games as Chelsea’s manager in the Premier League. I can’t remember the last time Chelsea lost three league games on the trot, and it could happen this weekend. I do like Graham Potter, and I hope he gets it right.
“Newcastle are absolutely flying at the moment. If they win this game, they will fancy their chances in the top-four race. The name of the game is to beat lesser teams and avoid defeat against the big clubs.
“Newcastle have got to be careful and they need to make sure they don’t get caught up in the occasion. I think this game will end in a draw – I don’t see Chelsea winning, and that’s a big compliment to Newcastle.”
Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea
