Paul Merson with big new Newcastle United verdict | OneFootball

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

A 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle United facing Liverpool.

A massive match at Wembley.

Paul Merson discussing the possibilities for Newcastle United in this Carabao Cup Final.

Can United do it?

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Liverpool v Newcastle:

“This is now a completely different game to what we were thinking earlier, thanks to Liverpool crashing out of the Champions League!

“A few weeks ago, Liverpool were still on course to win four trophies. But now, the EFL cup is the only other trophy apart from the Premier League title that they get their hands on. How quickly things change.

“For Liverpool, the Premier League is still the Holy Grail. Let us not take anything away from from what they have done so far this season just because of that defeat to PSG. Remember, Liverpool absolutely destroyed PSG in the second half of both legs despite eventually getting knocked out.

“Like I said before, this has suddenly become an interesting game with Liverpool going through extra-time and penalties before crashing out of the Champions League. Let us not forget that both Ibrahima Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold are struggling with fitness ahead of this final too!

“If you’re a Newcastle fan, you will definitely feel hopeful ahead of this game.

“Darwin Nunez missed his penalty against PSG in the shootout but I would still want him to start this game against Newcastle. He is always someone who creates problems to defenders. If I’m Dan Burn or Fabian Schar, I want to play against Diego Jota on Sunday.

“I’m someone who always gives teams a chance in games, but I didn’t give that to Newcastle in this game a few weeks ago!

“Now I think they have a chance though.

“I think this game will end 1-1 and go to penalties.

“If I had to pick a side to win on penalties, I’d choose Liverpool.

“I’m only saying that because I know Liverpool will turn up for this game and I can’t say the same about Newcastle!

“I guess it all comes down to whether Newcastle can turn up for this clash knowing and believing they’ve got every chance of beating Liverpool.

“Prediction: Liverpool 1 Newcastle 1 and then Liverpool to win on penalties.”

So is Paul Merson on the right track here?

Well after the setbacks of Gordon’s suspension and injuries to Hall and Botman, the past week has certainly been positive for Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe confirmed that apart from long-time injured Lascelles, no other Newcastle players are unavailable on Sunday.

United had the confidence boost of a win over the Hammers and then Liverpool having a huge blow on Tuesday at Anfield.

Not sure about Paul Merson claiming Liverpool battered PSG in the second half of both legs, as whilst the scousers did ok in the second half at Anfield, they were absolute second best during the entire match in Paris, as well as the first half and extra time on Tuesday.

We all know the score here.

Newcastle United need to turn up and we need the likes of Isak and our midfield trio to be on top of their games. Plus of course Pope and his back four to be resilient.