Paul Merson is anticipating loads of objectives at St James’ Park tonight as Newcastle and Liverpool face off in what has turn into fairly the grudge match.
The Reds’ pursuit of Alexander Isak and the Magpies striker’s public craving for a switch to Anfield have added additional spice to what had already promised to be an absorbing contest ever earlier than the off-field saga took maintain.
Whereas Eddie Howe’s aspect needed to accept a goalless draw at Aston Villa on the opening weekend within the absence of the Sweden worldwide, the Premier League champions started the defence of their title with a rollercoaster 4-2 win over Bournemouth.
What has Merson predicted for Newcastle v Liverpool?
Merson has given his prediction for the match to Sportskeeda, and he’s anticipating a fiendish check for Liverpool, not least due to the continued cleaning soap opera surrounding Isak.
The Sky Sports activities pundit wrote: ‘Because of Alexander Isak, this has turn into the spiciest recreation of the season! It’s an enormous acid check for Liverpool at St James’ Park. I used to be impressed with Newcastle in opposition to Villa final weekend.
‘Sandro Tonali was totally different class and if that they had a correct centre-forward, they might have gained that recreation simply. I suppose that’s why the followers are so offended with Isak; Newcastle should not a nasty workforce anymore!
‘It is going to be an insane environment on Monday night time, little question about it. It is a laborious check for Liverpool in opposition to Newcastle’s midfield.’
Merson is predicting a 2-2 draw at St James Park, concluding: ‘I consider Newcastle could cause issues to Liverpool. This needs to be an entertaining watch, gained’t need to miss it for something on the planet!’
Gravenbech returning may very well be large for Liverpool
Within the corresponding fixture final season, the 2 groups shared six objectives equally between them, and it’s doable that we may very well be in for one more high-scoring affair tonight.
Even with out Isak, Newcastle could really feel assured of getting some pleasure in opposition to a Liverpool defence which seemed worrying brittle in opposition to Crystal Palace and Bournemouth of their final two matches, and which may plausibly embody Dominik Szoboszlai enjoying out of place because of harm points at right-back.
Conversely, the Reds’ ahead line will fancy their probabilities of netting on the different finish of the pitch, having seemed devastating at instances within the 4-2 win over the Cherries 10 days in the past.
Merson referenced the midfield battle in his prediction, and the return of Ryan Gravenberch may very well be large for the champions after the Dutchman missed our earlier two video games. His presence may very well be big in making an attempt to curb the affect of Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
It’s going to take a convincing efficiency proper all through the 90 minutes for Liverpool to say most factors tonight, however we reckon Slot’s aspect have the standard to emerge victorious and protect their 100% begin to the season, one thing that solely two different Premier League sides have managed!
