Paul Merson makes Kieran Trippier claim ahead of Newcastle United v Luton Town

Former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson believes Newcastle United are struggling to find fluency ahead of their ‘tricky’ trip to Luton Town.

December has been a month of contrasting emotions for Eddie Howe and his players as impressive wins against Fulham and Manchester United came either side of a pair of disappointing defeats against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Magpies also saw their Champions League campaign brought to an end by a home defeat against AC Milan and another potential route to silverware was ended in midweek when United suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat in their Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Chelsea.

With little time for respite, Howe’s men will travel to Kenilworth Road for what should be an emotional occasion as the Hatters return to action for the first time since captain Tom Lockyer collapsed on the pitch during last weekend’s game at Bournemouth.

Merson has delivered his take on the game as he assessed the form of Magpies defender Kieran Trippier and insisted Newcastle will not ‘steamroller’ their hosts and admitted he is ‘leaning towards’ a Luton win.

He told SportsKeeda: “I went to watch the game between Chelsea and Newcastle United in midweek. The Magpies might have only lost on penalties, but they did not look fluent at all. Luton Town are tough to play against at Kenilworth Road and this is a tricky fixture to call.

“Newcastle United have got just way too many injuries and they’re not anywhere close to full strength. Their players are dropping like flies at the moment.  Kieran Trippier is struggling right now and it’s sad to see. His confidence seems to have dropped after a strong start to the season. I just think this is going to be a very difficult game for Eddie Howe’s men.

“If Luton get in front first, I don’t see Newcastle steamrolling them after that. I’m leaning towards Luton but I still think the spoils might be shared in this one.”