Paul Merson offers Newcastle United verdict ahead of Bournemouth clash
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4 – 5 minutes
Paul Merson has been discussing all things Newcastle United, Alexander Isak and our top four hopes ahead of our meeting with Bournemouth today.
The Magpies will welcome the Cherries to St. James Park for their third consecutive home game having won nine on the spin in all competitions – but Andoni Iraola’s side themselves are undefeated in 10 to set-up what should be a hard fought contest in Tyneside.
Reece James late equaliser prevented the south coast side from taking all three points at Stamford Bridge midweek, though they still did us enough of a favour to help us climb into the top four.
Merson previews and predicts Newcastle vs Bournemouth
Merson has predicted that Newcastle will get a “big win” and lumped the praise on a certain Alexander Isak while making sure our midfield trio also earned their flowers.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, he said: “I know Bournemouth have been playing really well but I have a strong feeling about Newcastle winning this game. Bournemouth were blown away by Chelsea in the first half of that 2-2 draw in midweek.
“Newcastle are playing much, much better than Chelsea and they will be more ruthless in front of goal! In my opinion, Alexander Isak is the best No.9 in the Premier League right now.
“You look at Erling Haaland and his body language isn’t as good as Isak. Of course, you can never count Haaland out because he can just score back-to-back hat-tricks and we will all be talking about him again. But honestly, it is not looking like that at the moment.
“I believe Isak’s success is also down to the midfielders playing behind him at Newcastle. Sandro Tonali has just returned to that midfield and formed a great partnership with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. Every single one of them is playing at the top of their game.
“It would be the perfect month for Newcastle if they can progress to the final of the EFL Cup and consolidate their grip on top four in the coming weeks.
“Some teams get into the top four and they go three games without a win before finally falling behind. Newcastle must avoid doing that and I’m confident they will get the better of Bournemouth in a big win.”
Merson’s prediction: Newcastle 3-1 Bournemouth
Making it 10 wins on the spin before we make the journey down to Southampton would be a major boost for our top four hopes undoubtedly, but the real test may lie in the trio of February fixtures.
Anfield and the Etihad either side of Nottingham Forest may be a season defining run of fixtures. Come out of that well and we would truly consolidate our Champions League ambitions before the run-in – but we have the Cherries to overcome first.
Toon on fire – but Bournemouth in VERY good form
Bournemouth have been one of the more eye-catching sides this season and their recent form comes as little surprise. Arriving to the north east unbeaten in 10, our impressive home record won’t faze a side who have lost just one of their last seven on the road.
Our form since the Brentford defeat has been scintillating with six clean sheets in our last nine, although the Cherries will be confident in their own abilities having succeeded in finding the back of the net in 14 of their last 15.
That said, team news coming out of Bournemouth is that they have a) no fit right-back and, crucially, b) no fit senior striker, leaving winger Dango Ouattara expected to lead the line in Evanilson and Unal’s absence, with Lewis Cook also tipped to fill in at full-back against Anthony Gordon.
