Paul Merson gives ominous Newcastle United vs Manchester City prediction

Paul Merson expects Newcastle United to come crashing down to earth with a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City this weekend.

Toon supporters are hopeful their side have turned a corner after humbling local rivals Sunderland a week ago. Eddie Howe’s side travelled to the Stadium of Light under pressure, having lost seven of their previous eight games.

However, Newcastle dominated the Black Cats, coasting to a 3-0 away win to get 2024 off to a flyer. They now face the treble winners for the third time in 2023-24, with the aggregate scoreline level.  

City recorded a 1-0 win in the second Premier League game of the campaign at the Etihad but the Magpies exerted revenge a month later - winning by the same scoreline to dump Pep Guardiola out of the Carabao Cup. Newcastle are now aiming to get back to winning ways in the top flight as their hectic schedule eases up.

But former Arsenal winger Merson has tipped Man City - who could see Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland make their Premier League returns - to edge a tight affair at St James’ Park. He wrote in his SportsKeeda column: “Newcastle are slowly getting some injured players back and are coming on the back of a good result against arch-rivals Sunderland. 

“The win would've surely boosted their morale but Sunderland were never going to get anything from the game after the team they put out. Newcastle's XI were miles apart. Eddie Howe's side are really good at home and have to win this one to have a glimmer of hope in terms of finishing top four but Manchester City are also in need of a win as they aim to close the gap at the top of the table to just two points. 

“They'll have to be patient, though, as St James' Park is a tough place to visit. I think Manchester City will secure a narrow win but wouldn't be surprised if this game ends all square.”

Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester City