Paul Merson gives this Newcastle United verdict | OneFootball

Paul Merson speaking as Eddie Howe’s team are preparing for their next match.

A 3pm kick-off on Saturday afternoon.

Newcastle United having put together a nine in a row winning run.

Until that dramatically ended with the 4-1 home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend.

Paul Merson discussing the possibilities for Newcastle United in their away match against Southampton this afternoon.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Southampton v Newcastle:

“Newcastle losing 4-1 at home to Bournemouth shows how difficult to make accurate predictions in the Premier League.

“Let’s be honest, even a loyal Bournemouth fan didn’t see that coming!

“But if you’re Newcastle, you can’t ask for a better game than this to get back on track.

“If Southampton had taken their chances, they could have gotten a result against Manchester United.

“But that shows how bad [Man] United are and not the other way round.

“I expect Newcastle to slaughter them.

“I just can’t see Alexander Isak not scoring against Southampton.

“Eddie Howe wouldn’t have been happy with the loss to Bournemouth.

“If you look at Arsenal or Liverpool, you wouldn’t expect them to lose 4-1 at home when they are in the middle of a dream run.

“Newcastle must change that about them and I expect them to bounce back in style.

“Prediction: Southampton 0 Newcastle 4”

So is Paul Merson on the right track here?

Well, I think he is pretty much on the mark here with most of that.

Southampton have the worst home record in the Premier League, losing eight of ten at St Mary’s, drawing 1-1 against Ipswich and winning 1-0 against Everton.

Southampton have only scored seven goals at home, the lowest of all PL clubs.

Southampton have conceded 27 goals at home, the most of any Premier League club.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United have only lost one away game (all competitions) since October 2024, with this away run over 90 days including victories at Man U, Arsenal, Spurs and Forest.

Newcastle United just have to reproduce that kind of away form today and put Bournemouth at SJP last weekend behind them.

Saturday 25 January – Southampton v Newcastle (3pm)

Saturday 1 February – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 5 February – Newcastle v Arsenal (8pm) Sky Sports (League Cup)

Saturday 8 February – Birmingham v Newcastle (5.45pm) BBC1 and BBC iPlayer (FA Cup)

Saturday 15 February – Man City v Newcastle (3pm)

Sunday 23 February – Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 26 February – Liverpool v Newcastle (8.15pm) TNT Sports

(Weekend of Saturday 1 March –  NUFC will play in FA Cup fifth round if getting past Birmingham)

Monday 10 March – West Ham v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 15 March – Newcastle v Crystal Palace (3pm)