'I expect both teams to have a go': Paul Merson now predicts the score between Newcastle and Brighton

Premier League football returns this weekend with Newcastle United partaking in a traditional 3pm Saturday kick-off against Brighton and Hove Albion at St James' Park.

The two sides are currently separated by goal difference in the league table with Brighton just edging out Newcastle in sixth place with the Magpies in seventh.

Both managers have a couple of injury concerns going into the game but still have a strong squad to pick from and it should make for an entertaining game.

Indeed, Paul Merson is predicting plenty of goals in his write up for Sportskeeda.

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Paul Merson can't separate the two sides

Merson is expecting goals but he can't separate the two sides on the day.

"This will be a really good game. Brighton and Newcastle are sixth and seventh, respectively on same points. But quite honestly, Brighton are playing way better at the moment. I expect both teams to have a go at it and there will be plenty of goals in this one.

"It's so hard to keep it tight at the back and score many goals, difficult job and very few teams in the world are consistently good at it. I'm certain that Newcastle will be a force going forward in this game, but I also feel they will leave the back door open in the process. This is where Brighton can take advantage and punish their opponents.

"As things stand, I'd probably go Newcastle to finish above Brighton. It's only just though, there's not much between these teams.

"Prediction: Newcastle United 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion"

Newcastle must get back to winning ways at home

We certainly hope Merson is wrong here. After two draws in the last two Premier League outings, Newcastle need to get back in the habit of picking up three points, especially at home.

Alexander Isak should be back in the starting lineup and we need to get him more involved in games to get the best out of him and there's no better time to start than Saturday.

Let's get back to winning ways. Howay Eddie Howe's We're Sick Of Drawing Games Now Mags!