Paul Merson delivers 'absolutely shocking' Newcastle United verdict ahead of Liverpool clash

Paul Merson has labelled Newcastle United's defeat to Nottingham Forest as "absolutely shocking" - and doesn't believe Eddie Howe's men will bounce back against Liverpool on New Year's Day.

The Magpies suffered their sixth defeat in seven matches with a 3-1 loss at home to Forest on Boxing Day. Forest became only the fourth Premier League team alongside Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal to beat United at St James' Park since Howe took charge in November 2021.

As a result, United have slipped to ninth in the top-flight table and exited both the Carabao Cup and Champions League. Howe's side are in need of a response but Merson has tipped the Reds to win 2-0.

"I can't believe Newcastle United were beaten by Nottingham Forest earlier this week, it was an absolutely shocking result for Eddie Howe's side," the former Arsenal man told Sportskeeda. "It's all about timings when you play one of the so-called big games and Liverpool are playing the Magpies at the perfect time.

"Forest's victory against Newcastle wasn't a smash-and-grab as they were really poor on the night and got well beaten. Newcastle were also poor in the cup game against Chelsea, so things are not going well for them at the moment."

Meanwhile, Liverpool sit top of the table, 13 points above Newcastle, who haven't won at Anfield since 1994. Howe, as a manager, has lost his last 11 matches against the Reds.

"Liverpool, on the other hand, got a hard-fought 2-0 win against Burnley in a game that marked Diogo Jota's return to the team," Merson continued. "He's a top player and his presence will come as a timely boost for Jurgen Klopp, who is set to lose Mohamed Salah next month as the 31-year-old prepares to represent Egypt at the AFCON.

"Liverpool are very much in the thick of it in the race for the Premier League title and should win this one at home. Their squad isn't perfect, but I can't see Klopp dipping into the market in January despite their injury crisis at the back, with the likes of Joel Matip, Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas on the sidelines."