‘They will give them tough time but they will surely go away with the 3points’: Paul Merson finally predicts the score between Newcastle and Arsenal
Paul Merson has the unenviable task of predicting this week’s Premier League scores which means he has to come up with a scoreline for Newcastle United vs Arsenal.
We absolutely don’t envy anyone who has to predict Saturday evening’s 5:30pm Premier League game as Arsenal come to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle.
After the magnificent 3-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, Newcastle’s confidence will be high. Conversely, Arsenal were dumped out of the cup by London rivals West Ham in a 3-1 defeat.
Arsenal are undefeated in the Premier League
However, in the league, Mikel Arteta’s men are undefeated so they will still feel confident coming up to Tyneside.
We are expecting Eddie Howe to ring the changes again tomorrow and the side that drew 2-2 with Wolves will likely be reinstated for Arsenal meaning in-form Callum Wilson will be in from the start and looking for his eighth Premier League goal of the season.
Similarly, Mikel Arteta made plenty of changes on Wednesday and is likely to revert to a more familiar lineup.
Paul Merson can’t pick between the two sides
This all makes calling the fixture nigh-on impossible but Paul Merson has had a go in his weekly column for Sportskeeda.
“It could turn out to be a blessing for Arsenal that they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup as it allows them to put more focus on their Premier League title challenge. I look at this game and think if Arsenal win, the race for the league title becomes a heads or tails clash between the Gunners and Manchester City, as an away victory at St. James’ Park would be a huge statement.
“Newcastle have injuries but they are a good team at home and rarely lose games in front of their own fans. The West Ham result won’t hurt Arsenal in the long-term but could prove to be a bit of a knockout punch, so I’m going for a 1-1 draw here.
“Kai Havertz started in midfield alongside Jorginho and Fabio Vieira against West Ham and I felt a bit sorry for him, as that’s not his position and he doesn’t really have a fixed role in the team.
“Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Arsenal”
It may look like Merse is sitting on the fence with this one, but it genuinely is that tight.
