'I wouldn't be surprised': Paul Merson sticks to task this week as he predicts who will win on Sunday - Newcastle United or Chelsea

Newcastle United and Chelsea will battle it out on Sunday at St James' Park in a Midday kick-off live on TNT Sports.

Both sides go into he game absolutely level in the Premier League on points and goal difference, so the game could end up having a big effect on the eventual top-five outcome.

Home advantage will be huge for Newcastle with Eddie Howe speaking on Friday at his press conference about the importance of the crowd being up for it, given the bizarre kick-off time.

Chelsea had the better of us in the reverse fixture, and they are coming off the back of a win against Liverpool and progressing to the Europa Conference League final, so they will be in good spirits.

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Paul Merson believes home advantage will swing it for Newcastle

Last week Paul Merson veered wildly off topic when making his score prediction for Brighton v Newcastle, but he stayed focused for this week's Sportskeeda column.

"What an exciting football match! Chelsea have hit a bit of form lately so this is a hard one to call. But I still have to go with Newcastle here. I just think home advantage will be a massive factor in this game. St James' Park will be rocking and when you look at it, Newcastle are flying at home, winning each of their last four games.

"Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo playing as the double pivot against Liverpool added some bite to Chelsea's midfield. I know Liverpool were not at their best after the title celebrations, but that was still a good performance from the Chelsea duo. Cole Palmer tucking away the penalty in the end will also be a huge psychological boost for him.

"If I'm not mistaken, Chelsea haven't won at this ground for three or four years now! I'd be shocked if Chelsea got anything from this game. If Aston Villa fail to win this weekend, Chelsea wouldn't mind losing against Newcastle. I wouldn't be surprised if Newcastle make a late push to finish second either. I don't expect Arsenal to beat Liverpool and if Newcastle can win this game and beat the Gunners next week, they can go above Mikel Arteta's men!

"Prediction: Newcastle United 2-1 Chelsea"

The pundits are favouring a home win on Sunday

A 2-1 Newcastle win seems to be the pundits' choice this week, with Chris Sutton also going with a narrow home win.

We aren't so much concerned with the scoreline as we are with the result. A 1-0 win will do, it's all about the points for us in this game, though, of course, should Newcastle fail to make it three wins from three, goal difference could play a part in the final standings, so we wouldn't be opposed to giving them an absolute mauling.

It's going to be a tense game, I can feel it already!