Paul Merson prediction for Newcastle v Tottenham is very different 12 months later

Paul Merson prediction for Newcastle v Tottenham is very different 12 months later

Paul Merson previews Newcastle v Tottenham clash

Paul Merson has shared his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s meeting between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Around this time last year, Merson was expecting a “cricket score” at St James’ Park — with Spurs doing all the scoring.

His prediction for the opening game of the 2017/18 season was a 3-0 win for the visitors. In the end, Tottenham triumphed 2-0 after Jonjo Shelvey’s reckless red card handed them the advantage.

Back then, Merson warned that Newcastle were heading for trouble, blaming Mike Ashley’s lack of investment and support for manager Rafa Benitez.

Fast forward twelve months, and he believes the club’s latest transfer window has been even more disappointing.

Despite that, Merson is backing Newcastle to grab a point this time — but only because Tottenham’s squad is still recovering from their World Cup exploits.

He thinks the extra fatigue and limited preparation time will allow Benitez to set his side up well enough to “hold on this year.”

Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed he plans to leave some of his World Cup players in London rather than risk them at St James’ Park.

Although fit, he admitted several are not yet match-ready and could be more prone to injury if rushed back.

Merson’s prediction might surprise many: a goalless draw. That result hasn’t occurred between these two sides for 47 years — the last 0-0 was at White Hart Lane in 1971, while the most recent at St James’ Park came all the way back in 1965.

Paul Merson speaking to Sky Sports:

“This is a tough one.
It was an early game last year, and Spurs got a couple of late goals, but I think they’ll struggle this time because of the World Cup.
Spurs just haven’t got all their players back yet. Rafa Benitez will make Newcastle hard to beat.

Spurs won’t have the goals early on, so Newcastle will hold on this year.
I’m going for a goalless draw.
Prediction: Newcastle 0 Tottenham 0.”

From The Mag – August 10, 2017:

“Newcastle simply haven’t signed enough players.
Rafa Benitez has managed at the top level of European football and won’t want to just scrape survival after promotion.
I can see things ending badly if he continues to be ignored in the transfer market.

They haven’t spent enough, and if it weren’t for the fans, I’d tip them to go down.
Spurs are as good as anyone in the league, and against a Newcastle side that will have to attack at home, this could be a cricket score.
Prediction: Newcastle 0 Tottenham 3.”