Paul Merson has offered his verdict on how the Premier League tie between Newcastle United and Manchester United will transpire today.
The Magpies come into the affair having won four games on the spin, including the Carabao Cup final, while the Red Devils seem to finally be piecing together some semblance of form under Ruben Amorim.
Three points will be the aim for an absent Eddie Howe, as the Mags look to continue their Champions League charge.
Paul Merson has made three predictions for how Newcastle’s clash with Manchester United on Sunday will go.
The visitors have begun to improve under Ruben Amorim, suffering just one defeat in their last seven in all competitions. As a result, Merse thinks the Red Devils will ‘frustrate’ us at St. James’ Park.
However, he still believes we will have enough to continue our four game winning run and backs us to seal a 2-0 victory, also predicting that Champions League football will be ours if we can follow a win today with a victory over Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
In his latest piece Sportskeeda, Merson said: “Manchester United will frustrate Newcastle, but I still think the Magpies will win this game.
“Even though United have shown signs of improvement under Ruben Amorim, I don’t think they have it in them to get a win here. The race for top four is getting tighter and tighter, meaning Newcastle cannot afford to slip up.
“Eddie Howe has done enough already in my opinion. Winning that cup was everything for this club. Now getting a top-five finish would be the icing on the cake and they are so nearly there as well!
“If they win this game and get another three points in their game in hand, I think they will finish in the top five.”
Merson’s prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Manchester United
There are a few factors leaning in favour of Newcastle ahead of the weekend, more than just the run of form that the Mags are currently in.
Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes were both on the scoresheet against Leicester City and the latter has impressed in the absence of Anthony Gordon. Gordon may be available for selection for the Man Utd game, with Jason Tindall confirming the winger “had a decent week with the physios.”
A further boost has been given with regards to Alexander Isak after worries about his fitness after an early departure against the Foxes. The Swede has trained this week and is expected to be fine to play on Sunday.
Additionally, Man Utd fought to the end in their Europa League quarter-final against Lyon on Thursday night, giving them less time to prepare. Andre Onana made another demoralising mistake to allow the French side to equalise late in second half injury time.
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