Paul Merson believes Newcastle United have got an ‘excellent opportunity’ to get out of their slump against Leicester City.
Eddie Howe’s side have come in for a lot of criticism this week, on the back of Newcastle’s 4-2 defeat to Brentford.
Alan Shearer has questioned Newcastle’s attitude, with the Toon legend critical of the fact they only seem to get up for big games – like they did against Liverpool.
Now Newcastle United need to respond, as they face Leicester City at St James’ Park. The Foxes’ fortunes have improved since the appointment of Ruud van Nistelrooy, with Leicester picking up four points from their previous two games.
They are a very dangerous side for Newcastle, who will be without the injured Callum Wilson.
Paul Merson predicts Newcastle vs Leicester
Paul Merson working as a pundit for Sky Sports during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on Septe...
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
While Newcastle have lost their backup striker, Paul Merson believes that Eddie Howe’s side will have enough quality to beat Leicester City at home on Saturday.
As part of his column for Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted Newcastle to get back to winning ways.
“Leicester City got themselves a phenomenal result during the late comeback draw against Brighton last time out, but I don’t see Newcastle not winning this game,” he said.
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“It’s true that Leicester have four points in two games under Ruud van Nistelrooy and that’s a good start. However, it would be naïve to think that they will get a result away from home at Newcastle.
“I’m a firm believer of the fact that draws don’t help anybody in football. If you draw two games, it’s two points. If you lose one and win the next, it’s more points. Leicester must try to get more points, that’s the only way they can stay up in this division.
“Newcastle have got no consistency, they are up and down all the time. It shows in the table as well, they are now in 12th place. I know it’s only five points away from the European places, but still you would expect them to be a lot higher. They must start being consistent now.
“This game presents them with an excellent opportunity to climb up the table and anything less than a win would be hugely disappointing.”
Merson’s prediction: Newcastle United 3 Leicester City 1
What winning would do for Newcastle United
Newcastle United start the weekend in 12th position, with 20 points on the board.
A win would give the Magpies 23 points, which could be enough to lift them into the top half of the Premier League. However, that would be dependent on results going Newcastle’s way. Howe’s side would need Brentford and Fulham to lose, plus Spurs to not win against Southampton. Newcastle’s position would then be based on goal difference.
However, a win is about more than just points for Newcastle United. It is an opportunity to put things right after the concerning Brentford performance and build up some momentum ahead of a crucial run of fixtures.
After the Leicester game, Newcastle United are in Carabao Cup action. They face Brentford in the quarter-finals on Wednesday, as the Magpies continue their quest for silverware.
Then Newcastle travel to Ipswich Town, before facing Aston Villa at St James’ Park on Boxing Day.
Each of the Magpies’ next four games present unique challenges, but they are also an opportunity for Newcastle to go on a bit of run. To have three home games in such a short space of time is a luxury, and Newcastle United must not waste it, starting on Saturday against Leicester.
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