Last week, Paul Merson described our clash with Brentford as a ‘must-win’ for Eddie Howe. A week on, he’s saying exactly the same ahead of today’s trip to Bramall Lane.
Why? Because he feels we are “already out of the title race” and won’t secure another top-four finish unless we come away from Sheffield United with three points.
I understand the need to build on our win over Brentford and make up for that run of three straight defeats to Man City, Liverpool and Brighton, but it’s just silly to throw the ‘must-win’ line around at this stage of the season.
We were sat on seven points after six games last season. Fast forward 12 months, we’re on six points after five games, meaning a draw in Sheffield would leave us matching last year’s tally at this stage of the season. Would a point be a good result today? No, but these are more odd and over the top comments from Merson
Speaking to Sportskeeda, here’s what Merson’s had to say before backing us to leave 3-0 winners:
“I feel this is a must-win for Newcastle, while for Sheffield, this is a ‘must get something’ kind of game.
“The Magpies were fortunate not to lose against AC Milan on their UEFA Champions League return and have been nowhere close to what they were last season.
“In my opinion, they are already out of the title race and could face an uphill battle to secure a top-four spot if they don’t string together a run of wins.
“Sheffield, meanwhile, are already up against it and have already lost a handful of winnable games. I think it’ll get worse for them this weekend as Newcastle have enough pace and quality to hurt them.
“Prediction: Sheffield United 0-3 Newcastle.”
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