Paul Merson opinion on Newcastle United position as return after internationals | OneFootball

Paul Merson has been discussing Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe’s team returning to action after the international break.

Having picked up seven points from nine so far, as well as progress in the Carabao Cup.

On Sunday, Newcastle United are away to Wolves.

The former Arsenal player speaking, with now Eddie Howe approaching his fourth Premier League start of the season with Newcastle United.

Paul Merson discussing the possibilities for Newcastle United in this match at Molineux and indeed for the overall season ahead.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda after the international break and ahead of Wolves v Newcastle United:

“Wolves are in serious trouble.

“They could end up being the team that loses ground quickly with other teams in the battle to avoid relegation.

“This is a big game for them.

“I actually thought Newcastle United were a bit fortunate in their win over Tottenham before the international break.

“Spurs were definitely better in that game.

“I’ve still got to give credit to Newcastle as well though, let’s not take that away from them.

“If Wolves get a win, it would be massive but I just don’t see that happening.

“Newcastle will still fall short of qualifying for the Champions League in my opinion.

“I think they’ve got more points than they probably should have so far this season.

“There are five teams fighting for that fourth spot – Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

“They are definitely in that race, but I feel they will fall a bit short in the end.

“Prediction: Wolves 1 Newcastle 2”

So is Paul Merson on the money here?

Well, I certainly wouldn’t disagree on his Wolves verdict, they look very vulnerable.

Their last 13 Premier League matches the past six months, Wolves have been shocking.

Played 13 Won 1 Drawn 3 Lost 9 Goals Scored 11 Goals Conceded 30 Points 6

When you then compare that to Newcastle United and their last 13 PL games…

Played 13 Won 8 Drawn 3 Lost 2 Goals Scored 30 Goals Conceded 16 Points 27

As for Premier League results this season, Eddie Howe’s team had to play a man down for 73 minutes against Southampton but still kept a clean sheet and scored the winner, whilst a tough point at Bournemouth was a decent return, though Newcastle still had the best chances overall and the Cherries keeper was MOTM.

As for the win over Tottenham, I don’t think ‘fortunate’ is the word. Spurs kept the ball better (66% possession) but Newcastle defended better than the visitors and overall still had more quality chances than the opposition, on top of the two goals. Plus, Newcastle played the exact same tactics the previous season but won 4-0 despite Spurs having 73%(!) possession, in that game though NUFC looked after the ball far better when winning it back and thus were able to destroy Tottenham on the break. The perfect tactics in both Tottenham matches from Eddie Howe, with the high defensive line the Spurs boss insists on chancing.

I always have to laugh at well. Whenever Newcastle United battle to a win despite having been maybe second best overall, we are lucky. However, if you remember early last season we battered Liverpool when they had 11 men and 10 men, but just couldn’t get the second goal (Gordon deservedly putting NUFC 1-0 when it was 11 v 11), hitting the woodwork, bad luck, would class save from Allisson, poor finishing etc etc, then out of nowhere Liverpool managed their first two real chances in the final minutes and did an absolute smash and grab. Yet, did you hear one mention of the scousers having been incredibly lucky? No, me neither. Actually, I remember most of the reports making out that Liverpool actually deserved the win, great defending and goalkeeping, took their chances… Tottenham weren’t anywhere remotely as on top in our last match, as Newcastle were against Liverpool, yet our win over Spurs was just lucky?

Paul Merson makes it a five club challenge for the fourth spot this season, maybe he will prove correct. You also have to remember of course that there is every chance this season of it ending up with fifth spot also getting Champions League qualification.

Newcastle already have a win over one of those other Paul Merson challengers and if doubts are being cast over Newcastle, worth also noting that whilst Spurs hammered a woeful Everton, they only managed a point against Leicester who look set for the drop.

It is of course all about putting points on the board and if say Newcastle can get this win at Wolves, plus Tottenham lose in their derby against Arsenal, already a six point gap between the two clubs. Away wins over the clubs outside the top teams are often what make the difference between finishing top four or not. So it would be great to tick this one off before another of these type of away matches next weekend at Fulham.

Newcastle United schedule to end of October 2024:

Sunday 15 September 2024 – Wolves v Newcastle (4.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 21 September 2024 – Fulham v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 24 September 2024 – AFC Wimbledon v Newcastle (7.45pm) Sky Sports+

Saturday 28 September 2024 – Newcastle v Man City (12.30 pm) TNT Sports