Paul Merson has predicted Newcastle United to defeat Brighton 1-0 on Saturday when the two teams face-off.
The Sky Sports pundit shared that he was going with a Magpies win due to Brighton having a very poor record away from home but claimed it was must win clash for Rafa Benitez side.
Merson also shared that he was still backing the Magpies to achieve a narrow victory against the Seagulls despite believing they would have been kicking themselves over their recent 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.
“I watched Newcastle three weeks ago against Leicester and they had one shot on target from 60 yards,” wrote Merson in his predictions for Sky Sports.
“Then they go to Manchester United and they should have got something from the game.
“They’ll be kicking themselves that they didn’t get a positive result at Old Trafford.
“That defeat will have hurt but they can take positives from what was, on the whole, a good performance.
“Brighton are not the best side away from the Amex Stadium, if I’m being totally honest they are very, very poor on the road.
“For that reason I’m going to side with Newcastle in what will be like a cup final for them. It’s a must win for Rafael Benitez and his side.”
OPINION
Merson piles the pressure on the Magpies by dubbing the game must win for them on Saturday but it’s easy to see where the pundit is coming from. The Magpies are yet to get a win on the board and baring their first-half display against Manchester United, their performances have been awful. In fact it might be even getting to a stage where Benitez will come under pressure from fans despite supporters understanding the struggles he faces managing the club. However if Merson is right then everything, regarding on-the pitch, might look cheerfully at the Magpies once this weekend is over. If Benitez overcome Brighton and grab all three points, it might be the start of a good run of form for his side. While the Magpies squad is dripping in quality in some positions, there is enough top-quality players to help the club overcome the Seagulls, especially when you consider how bad Chris Hughton’s side are away from home. The only reason why the Seagulls may be up for the game at St James Park, is the fact they are coming off the back of a morale boosting victory over West Ham.
