Paul Merson verdict on Newcastle United position and makes England call | OneFootball

Paul Merson has been discussing Newcastle United and the current situation at St James’ Park.

The former Arsenal player speaking, with now approaching the thirty sixth NUFC Premier League match of the season.

Paul Merson discussing the possibilities ahead of Newcastle United playing Brighton.

Newcastle fans looking forward to the final home game of the 2023/24 season with sunshine over Tyneside.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Newcastle v Brighton:

“Brighton got a great result against Aston Villa, but Newcastle are on a bit of a run and look well set to finish the season on a positive note.

“I fancy them to carry on, so I’m going for a big home win here.

“Kieran Trippier has been a key player for Gareth Southgate over the years and I think he will start at left-back [at the European Championships] if Luke Shaw is absent.

“At right-back, Kyle Walker should start with Trent Alexander-Arnold in the squad to deputise for him.”

For a change, I find very little, if anything, to disagree with Paul Merson on here.

Brighton beat a demoralised and knackered Aston Villa less than 72 hours after Emery’s side had lost 4-2 at home to Olympiakos but before that, Brighton hadn’t won a single match for eight weeks.

On the other hand, Newcastle United have won four of their last five Premier League games and have scored 13 goals in total in their last three victories.

The only team to leave St James’ Park this season without conceding, were Borussia Dortmund, plus they needed the woodwork to save them twice. The other 21 home matches, Eddie Howe’s side scoring one or more goals.

In their last five away games, Brighton have only managed two goals, whilst their only PL away victory since November was at rock bottom Sheffield United.

Interesting from Paul Merson on Kieran Trippier and the European Championships this summer.

Only injury would prevent Southgate naming the Newcastle defender in his squad and of course, the fact that Trippier can play on the left as well as the right, is a massive bonus.

The one thing I would disagree with Paul Merson on, is that whilst I agree Kyle Walker should probably be first choice on the right, if he is missing then I would play Trippier ahead of Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool player does have other attributes but I think he is a really weak defender a lot of the time, this covered up largely because in many games the scousers are dominating the possession and mostly attacking.

Newcastle United matches now confirmed for rest of the season:

Saturday 11 May 2024 – Newcastle v Brighton (3pm)

Wednesday 15 May 2024 – Man U v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Sunday 19 May 2024 – Brentford v Newcastle (4pm)

(The final day of the season live TV matches will be selected closer to the day but all 10 PL games will be same time same day)

Wednesday 22 May 2024 – Tottenham v Newcastle (at MCG – Melbourne Cricket Ground)

Friday 24 May 2024 – A-League All Stars team v Newcastle (at Marvel Stadium, Melbourne)