Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has predicted Newcastle’s winning run to end with a 1-1 draw at Brentford this weekend – despite playing some ‘exceptional football’ against West Ham.
Elsewhere, he thinks Man Utd (4th) will see off Everton 2-0 in the early kick-off, backs Spurs (5th) to beat Brighton (6th) by the same scoreline, tips Aston Villa (7th) to beat Forest 3-0 and expects Arsenal to leave Anfield with a 2-1 win over Liverpool (8th) on Sunday.
The former Arsenal man was full of praise for the Magpies and claimed that a top four finish would be ‘phenomenal’ for us after not spending ‘all the money in the world.’
However, the 55-year-old has also acknowledged that Brentford ‘can beat anyone’ and have only lost once at home this season to Arsenal.
He accepts this prediction may seem ‘harsh’ on Eddie Howe’s side, but it’s fair to say that the majority of Toon fans would have probably taken seven points in our last three games; especially when you consider the nature of our wins over Man Utd and West Ham.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, here’s what Merson had to say ahead of our trip to Brentford:
“Newcastle played exceptional football against West Ham the other day, and I’d expect them to stay down in London this week. The team spirit is great, and they’ve also got the better of Man United this month.
“Newcastle will be happy with seven points from their three games this month. A top-four finish would be phenomenal for them. People say that they’ve got all the money in the world, but they haven’t spent all the money in the world, so fair play to them.
“I was shocked that Alexander Isak didn’t play yesterday, but Callum Wilson did score two goals. Isak has been a proper handful in the Premier League and he’s a great signing for Newcastle.
“This is going to be a good football match and it’s hard to call because Brentford can beat anybody on their day. A draw could seem harsh on Newcastle, but Brentford haven’t lost too many matches at home.”
Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Newcastle United
Why do you bother reporting this morons predictions? Look at Chris Sutton who has a much better record at forecasting our games
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