Paul Merson delivers Jacob Murphy verdict as he predicts Aston Villa vs Newcastle United
James Rutherford
4 – 5 minutes
Paul Merson is expecting a thriller between Aston Villa and Newcastle United on Saturday.
It is a huge game in the race for Champions League qualification, with seventh-placed Aston Villa entertaining third-placed Newcastle United at Villa Park.
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The game comes on the back of Villa’s European exit to PSG, while Newcastle beat Crystal Palace 24 hours later to secure their sixth straight win in all competitions.
Eddie Howe will be absent again as he recovers from pneumonia, meaning it will be Jason Tindall who goes head-to-head on the touchline with Unai Emery.
It has the makings of a brilliant game, and one that Paul Merson believes will be pivotal in the battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Ahead of Saturday’s game at Villa Park, Merson has predicted what the score will be for Sportskeeda.
While he believes that Newcastle can guarantee Champions League football with six points from their next two games, he expects the game against Villa to end in a draw.
“Newcastle are coming along quite well,” he said.
“They are showing signs of a team playing with confidence. But this is easily one of their biggest games of the season. Even though Newcastle are flying in third-place, a defeat to seventh-placed Aston Villa will cut the gap between these teams to just two points! That’s how tight the race to finish in the top five really is.
“If Newcastle can win this game and beat Ipswich in their next one, I think they will be guaranteed Champions League football next season. Winning a trophy was incredible in itself, but imagine if they can top it off with this achievement? The stuff of dreams if you’re a Newcastle fan.
“A draw would do Aston Villa no good here. After this game, they face Manchester City away from home. If they manage to get only one or two points from these two games, I think they are in serious danger of missing out on a top five finish!”
Merson added: “Both teams are playing well at the moment. We all know what Villa did in the Champions League this season and they must look to qualify again. This is a mouth-watering clash and I expect it to be entertaining with goals at both ends.”
Merson’s prediction: Aston Villa 2 Newcastle United 2
Paul Merson makes Jacob Murphy claim amid sensational Newcastle form
Newcastle United will be full of confidence as they prepare to travel to Villa Park.
They are the Carabao Cup holders, have won six games in a row and have multiple players playing incredibly well.
One of those players is Jacob Murphy, who got a goal and an assist in the Magpies’ win over Crystal Palace. In all competitions this season, the 30-year-old has scored nine goals and provided 13 assists.
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He is playing better than ever, and Merson has told Sportskeeda that he thinks Murphy is incredibly ‘underrated’.
“Murphy is one of the most underrated players in the league,” he said.
“He always works his socks off, scores goals, makes them and I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves.”
Merson is right about Murphy, but he is starting to get that credit. The rest of the Premier League is taking note of his performances, as he shines on a consistent basis in black and white.
There are even calls for Murphy to get an England call-up. He certainly deserves one based on current form, and will be eager to continue impressing at Aston Villa’s expense.
