Paul Merson has claimed that Newcastle’s extra days rest will prove to be a ‘big difference’ in our clash against West Ham as both sides look to build on midweek victories in Europe.
The Sky Sports pundit was very impressed with the Magpies against PSG and has predicted us to pull off a 2-1 victory in the capital to make it five wins in a row in all competitions.
In his prediction, the 55-year-old acknowledged that West Ham, who have had a good start to their campaign, ‘aren’t going to make it very easy’, but thinks our ‘unbelievable’ win over PSG and extra day to prepare (West Ham played in Germany on Thursday night) gives us the edge.
Here’s what Merson said to Sportskeeda:
“Newcastle pull off an amazing result in the Champions League. They played it their way, put PSG under severe pressure, and got the crowd excited.
“I was scared they’d be overwhelmed by the occasions and play it like a European game. The tempo was unbelievable and what we saw showed us that the Premier League is the best league in the world.
“West Ham aren’t going to make it very easy, but Newcastle do have an extra day to prepare and that will make a big difference. They need a big result to follow up on their victory against PSG.
“This is their bread and butter. They’ve got to get back into the top four and I think they’ll win this game.
“Prediction: West Ham 1-2 Newcastle”
With injuries and suspensions piling up, a victory in the capital right before the international break would wrap up what has been a perfect few weeks and allow us to recharge. Let’s hope Merson is right!
