Paul Merson has predicted Newcastle United to record a comfortable 3-0 victory against West Ham and become strong challengers for a Champions League spot.
Newcastle host the Hammers in tonight’s 8pm kick-off at St James’ Park, with us coming off the back of three wins on the bounce before heading into the international break. West Ham, however, have won just two of their last 10 games, leaving Julen Lopetegui under pressure already and just three points above the relegation zone.
In his prediction for Sportskeeda, Merson believes that Newcastle ‘could run riot’ if we get off to a good start and would be ‘shocked’ if the visitors manage to get anything out of the game.
Merson said: “Newcastle are starting to pick up pace now. They have won three in a row and sit just a point off third-place. I can see them winning this game. If they start this game well, they will run riot. West Ham got absolutely rinsed by Nottingham Forest a couple of weeks back. I don’t even know how they beat Manchester United!
“I worry for West Ham, but I still think they will give Julen Lopetegui a lot more time. If they weren’t going to back him, they would have got rid of him after the draw with Everton before the international break.
If you are counting on Lopetegui to turn it around against Newcastle here and Arsenal next, you are delusional! I don’t think he will be there long-term, but he still has time.
“West Ham have a clash against Leicester coming up in two games’ time, that’s a cup final and if he does not win, he won’t be in the job. I’d be shocked if West Ham get anything out of this game. It has Newcastle written all over it. I’m backing the hosts to slaughter West Ham and become a strong candidate in the race for top four.”
Merson’s prediction: Newcastle 3-0 West Ham
Newcastle fans will know that nothing is ever that straightforward, but it does feel to be the perfect conditions for a big win under the lights to potentially fire us into the top four. Let’s hope Merson is right and we make it four wins on the spin!
“Potentially fire us into the top 4”?? How many points do you think we get if we win? I’m working on 3 points, which as we’re on 18 would give us 21 according to my maths, which would nicely put us 6th. Any advance on 3 points, anyone?
davewallace(Quote)