Sky Sports pundit and Arsenal legend makes enticing Newcastle United prediction for Burnley clash

Arsenal legend and pundit Paul Merson has made an enticing prediction for Newcastle United ahead of this weekend's visit of Burnley to St James' Park.

It's been a week and a half to remember for Magpies fans as the Eddie Howe era at the club continues to go from strength to strength. Last week, many enjoyed soaking up the late summer sun in Milan before an iconic return to Champions League football.

That was followed up by a record-breaking 8-0 thrashing of Sheffield United at Bramall Lane and then a Carabao Cup giant-killing as Manchester City were defeated on Tyneside thanks to an Alexander Isak finish.

Next up is the visit of newly promoted Burnley, who are yet to record a win in the Premier League this season. Magpies boss Eddie Howe and striker Callum Wilson have spoken with caution about the match, labelling it a potential 'banana skin'.

Howe was particularly complimentary of Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany and his work at Turf Moor, reasoning that it would be a 'different' Burnley to yesteryear. Despite the manager's caution, Merson doesn't see it being a close affair on Saturday afternoon.

In his sportskeeda predictions, the former Gunner and Aston Villa man envisioned an easy 3-0 win for Newcastle United.

He explained: "Newcastle United were outstanding against Sheffield United last weekend - the fact that they had eight different goalscorers in their 8-0 win was a phenomenal achievement. Eddie Howe and co followed it up by knocking Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup, indicating that they are showing signs of bouncing back after a rough start to the season.

"If they get after Burnley like they can and play at the tempo that has seen them succeed in recent weeks, I think they'll blow the Clarets away quite comfortably."