Paul Merson has explained why it is so important that Newcastle United beat Burnley on Saturday.
The Magpies intend to bounce back after an infuriating result against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek. Newcastle’s draw with Spurs felt like a defeat, and now Eddie Howe’s side will aim to respond.
The game against Burnley is the start of an incredibly challenging week for Newcastle United, as they prepare for a Champions League away day and the return of the Tyne-Wear derby.
With those fixtures coming up, Paul Merson believes Newcastle United vs Burnley is such an ‘important’ game.
If you bumped into Eddie Howe on the street right now, what changes would you tell him to make vs Burnley?!
I’d be telling him to get Anthony Gordon in the XI after his cameo against Spurs!
Paul Merson backs a comfortable Newcastle United win over Burnley
Newcastle go into Saturday’s game against Burnley as favourites, with Merson expecting a comfortable win at St James’ Park for Howe’s side.
He has told Sportskeeda that he thinks the Magpies will be victorious, as they aim to build up some momentum ahead of facing Bayer Leverkusen and Sunderland.
“I can’t see anything but a Newcastle win,” he said.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
“Burnley away and Wolves anywhere are the two teams you want to play at the moment. Newcastle are moving steady in the league, and even though they are 12th in the table, just five points separate them from Chelsea in fourth.
“Newcastle are a team that can beat anyone on their day. The only thing they’re lacking is consistency. I think they will finish in the top four if they can be consistent, certainly have the players to do it.
“Let’s not forget, it’s a big week coming up for Newcastle. After the trip to Burnley, they face Leverkusen in the Champions League in a clash that can help them move closer to the knockout stages, if they win. And then, it’s the big derby against Sunderland next weekend! So it’s important they set the right momentum by beating Burnley.
“If Newcastle turn up with the same tempo they set when facing big teams, they will win this game comfortably. If they are complacent, Burnley can hurt them.”
Merson’s prediction: Newcastle United 3 Burnley 0.
Three HUGE games on the horizon, but are you worried Newcastle could get complacent against a struggling Burnley team?
If Newcastle turn up with the same tempo they set when facing big teams, they will win this game comfortably. If they are complacent, Burnley can hurt them.
Paul Merson on Newcastle vs Burnley for Sportskeeda
Eddie Howe will hope to rotate ahead of busy week for Newcastle United
As Merson says, Newcastle United have two crucial games immediately after facing Burnley. The Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen has a lot more riding on it after the defeat against Marseille, while the derby needs no introduction.
Amid this relentless run of fixtures, Howe will want to rotate his side and keep as many of his top stars fresh. That is why Sandro Tonali is rested in Geordie Boot Boys’ predicted Newcastle United XI to face Burnley.
But Newcastle cannot look too far ahead. While Burnley are 19th in the league with 10 points, Eddie Howe will not underestimate them. That would be incredibly dangerous.