Newcastle United face a stern test in the weeks ahead, as they’re forced to tackle three of the Premier League’s big guns over the course of the next five matches.
That difficult run starts this weekend with the hosting of Manchester United, where Newcastle can find inspiration in the fact that Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho has never tasted victory at St. James’ Park.
However, Newcastle don’t enter the clash on the best of form, having not won on Tyneside since October, and the Magpies are hovering just a single point above the relegation zone- with Manchester United expected to secure an easy win.
One of those backing Mourinho’s men for a victory is former Arsenal defender Paul Merson, who identifies that Newcastle have a chance but is predicting a 2-0 victory for the visitors.
In his weekly predictions, Merson said:
“Manchester United are just efficient, aren’t they? They played a weakened Huddersfield at home and fell over the line – you could not come off that pitch and say they could have won by nine, but they were efficient.”
“Newcastle have got a chance, because Manchester United won’t blow you away. Rafa Benitez is one of the best managers at setting teams up not to lose games, and with players like Jamaal Lascelles at set-plays, you never know.”
Newcastle will certainly have to be at their best to overcome Manchester United and, given their struggles in front of goal this season, it doesn’t look good for the Magpies.
