Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has admitted to risking the wrath of the Toon Army as he predicts Newcastle United’s home clash against Watford this weekend.
The Magpies find themselves second from bottom in the Premier League table, having drew 0-0 away at Southampton in their last outing, while the Hornets are flying high in seventh, with a 3-0 thrashing of Huddersfield under their belts from last weekend.
Predicting the clash at St James’ Park, Merson insisted that the home side would have to come out of their shell and search for their first win of the season but that Watford are the most underrated team in the league.
Giving the visitors a 2-0 win, Merson wrote in his Sky Sports column: “Newcastle fans won’t be happy with this, but I’ve got to go for Watford. At the moment I just can’t see where Newcastle are winning a game or even scoring a goal.
“I think Watford are the most underrated team in the league, alongside Bournemouth; both very good. They’re fast on the counter-attack, they’re big and strong. Newcastle have to come out and try to beat somebody at some point, but I’m going 2-0 Watford.”
Opinion
Newcastle fans might not like the fact Merson is predicting a Watford win but at the same time there can be few arguments over it. The Hornets look like a real dangerous side this season whereas the Magpies are toothless up front and only have avoided defeat thanks to a resolute back line. Anyone expecting Newcastle to be able to compete with the visitors may be in for a shock, and the real surprise would be the home side managing to get anything out of this game. Their desperation for three points does not help their cause, as it means they have to take gambles which they would not usually do. That is only going to end up with them being stung by the Hornets, and the travelling fans can feel confident about heading the the north east for a comfortable game of football this weekend. Still, the Premier League can throw up some serious surprises – but the Toon Army shouldn’t get their hopes up.