Paul Merson has predicted that Newcastle United will lose when they travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Magpies visit the Vitality Stadium on the back of a remarkable victory over Manchester United last time out, with a rare goal from Matt Ritchie sealing a 1-0 win.
That win put Rafa Benitez’s men up into 13th in the Premier League table, sitting on 28 points, which is still just two above the drop zone.
Opponents Bournemouth have been in some great form recently, with massive wins over Arsenal and Chelsea propelling them up the table.
However, their last result was a damaging 4-1 loss to relegation rivals Huddersfield, and Eddie Howe’s men will be looking to get back to winning ways on Saturday.
In his predictions for Sky Sports, Merson predicted a 2-1 win for Bournemouth, saying: “This is a big, big game. If Newcastle win they bring Bournemouth straight back into the relegation mix, even though they looked out of it near the top half a few weeks ago.
“Newcastle have fared well recently but if Bournemouth, with home advantage, reach the levels they did before their shocking defeat at Huddersfield I think they will just have too much.”
OPINION
Merson’s prediction is an interesting one, as it goes against current form. Newcastle secured the biggest win of their season last time out, whereas Bournemouth suffered what may prove to be their most damaging defeat. However, Newcastle have struggled away this year, and Bournemouth have been good at home, and his prediction may prove correct. However, the Magpies will hopefully have Islam Slimani to call upon this week after their January signing returns from injury, and that could be a big boost that propels them to an important win.