Paul Merson has predicted that Newcastle United and Everton will share four goals in a 2-2 draw at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Toffees have won just one of their last five games going into their trip to the north east while Newcastle suffered their first defeat in three when West Ham beat them last week.
Merson believes that Everton’s clean sheet against Liverpool last week was a boost for them, but admits that goalkeeper Jordan Pickford did nothing special in that game and expects him to concede at St James’ Park.
“Everton have set a standard now. They kept a clean sheet against Liverpool and didn’t really look like letting in a goal – it wasn’t like the goalie was man of the match, he made a couple of saves but nothing big,” he said on the Sky Sports website.
“Newcastle will be strong at home with their front three and I think Everton will relax away from home and have a go so I’m going for plenty of goals.”
OPINION
Everton played very well against Liverpool last week and they beat Cardiff 3-0 in the game before that, so there is a hint that Marco Silva’s men are on a rise in form ahead of their trip to Newcastle. That is potentially bad news for Rafa Benitez, who has learned this week that Sean Longstaff could miss the rest of the season through injury. The Magpies weren’t at their best when they lost at West Ham last week, but since the start of the year they have had some impressive results, beating the likes of Manchester City and in-form Burnley. Miguel Almiron’s arrival on Tyneside has been a massive boost for the playing squad as well as the fans. Almiron wasn’t great against the Hammers, but he should be back to his best when in front of the Toon Army against Everton. He’s one player who can take advantage of the Toffees’ slack defence.