Paul Merson has given his verdict on whether Newcastle United will start the new Premier League season with a win away to Aston Villa.
It is a tough start for Eddie Howe, as Newcastle face Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League for the second time in three seasons.
To make matters more challenging, Newcastle United will be without Alexander Isak. He is refusing to play for the club, with the 25-year-old eager to secure a move to Liverpool.
In Isak’s absence, Anthony Gordon could start up front for Newcastle. He is up to the task, but it is far from ideal for a Toon side that will hope to kick on even further after a history-making 2024/25 campaign.
Unfortunately for Newcastle, not having Isak is going to be decisive in the eyes of Paul Merson.
Paul Merson looks on ahead of Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal in the Premier League.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Paul Merson expects Alexander Isak to leave and Newcastle United to lose
Ahead of Aston Villa vs Newcastle United on Saturday, Merson has given his thoughts to Sportskeeda.
The former Arsenal forward has also weighed in on the Isak situation, admitting that he would be ‘shocked’ if the Sweden international does not leave St James’ Park before the summer transfer window closes.
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“This is a big football match,” he wrote.
“These two clubs were tipped to fight for a top-five place but haven’t been able to strengthen their squad in the transfer window. Newcastle, especially, have had a nightmare window considering they won the EFL Cup and qualified for Champions League.
“You can only feel sorry for Newcastle with what has happened over the last few weeks. Big players like Alexander Isak call the shots in football these days. They will always want to play with the best players in the world. So the ball is firmly in his court. If Newcastle freeze him out of the first team, he can still leave in January.
“Isak isn’t the first person to do this, so I don’t blame him! He could have left as a hero, if he had been more patient though. That almost seems impossible now. His image is tarnished and it will be a sour feeling whenever he leaves.
“I’d be shocked if Newcastle don’t get rid of Isak before the summer transfer deadline. He won’t care if he has to sit there and do nothing for the next six months because he will still attract interest from top clubs in January. So it’s best to sell him now in my opinion.
“Newcastle set the bar really high last season and I expect it to be really tough for them this time around. I don’t think they are the same team without Isak and I expect Villa to beat them in his absence.”
Merson’s prediction: Aston Villa 2 Newcastle United 0
Why Paul Merson is wrong about Newcastle United’s transfer window
Merson is obviously entitled to his own opinion, but describing Newcastle’s summer transfer window as a ‘nightmare’ is massively wide of the mark.
While that was true a few weeks ago, the Magpies have started to get their act together and done some really smart business. They have improved their squad, which is vital ahead of returning to the Champions League.
Anthony Elanga is an improvement on Miguel Almiron, who left in January.
Aaron Ramsdale is an improvement on Martin Dubravka, who has gone to Burnley.
The plan is for Malick Thiaw to be Sven Botman’s long-term partner at centre-back. He leaps above Jamaal Lascelles in the pecking order and will provide competition for Fabian Schar.
Newcastle are set to sign Jacob Ramsey, who is an improvement on Sean Longstaff.
If Newcastle get the Yoane Wissa deal over the line, he is an improvement on Callum Wilson.
There have been a few rejections along the way and the Isak situation has caused a real storm, but away from the noise Newcastle United have actually done some really good business.