Despite some rocky patches in 2025, Newcastle have slowly but surely been earning more and more plaudits in the media for their performances.

From beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final to securing 10 wins from their last 14 league games, it’s no wonder why many are tipping Eddie Howe’s side to finish the season strongly.

Paul Merson has had his say ahead of the Magpies visit to the King Power Stadium to play Leicester on Monday night.

Merson backs Mags for full three points

Writing in Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal  midfielder has not only backed Newcastle to batter Leicester 3-0, but also be a firm favourite to get Champions League football.

“I can’t see anything but a Newcastle win here. They secure a brilliant victory over Brentford in midweek. That result has put them in strong contention for a top four finish. Another win here and they will boost their chances even further.”

Merson hails Toon trio

The best midfield trio in the country?

The question must be asked, is the trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes the best midfield in the country at the moment?

In the last decade, it’s been hard to go against a Manchester City midfield on paper, but with Rodri’s season-ending injury towards the beginning of the campaign, Pep Guardiola’s struggled to adapt with the ageing pair of Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan, and failing to properly integrate the likes of James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly.

But compared to the seamless way that Tonali has joined the Brazilians in the beating heart of Eddie Howe’s side, and world class performances in big games, including Wembley against the equally in-form Liverpool midfield, then simply no midfield in England can match the Magpie starting trio for energy, passion, quality, and ultimately, success so far this season.