'Massive': Paul Merson piles on the pressure as he predicts who will win on Saturday Newcastle or Man City

Newcastle United host Manchester City at St James' Park on Saturday in the 12:30pm kick-off live on TNT Sports.

The Magpies have picked up 10 points from a possible 15 and sit in the comfortable end of the table, but the manner in which these points were accrued was anything but comfortable.

Eddie Howe has struggled to get his team playing like an Eddie Howe side so far this season and Saturday brings a whole new level of competition for the Magpies.

Manchester City have 13 points from 15 only dropping two in their last game out against Arsenal where the Gunners had the rub of the green despite going down to 10 men in the first half.

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Paul Merson is expecting a tough time for Newcastle on Saturday

Manchester City will be without key man Rodri who has been ruled out for most of the season, and could also be without Kevin De Bruyne which should give Newcastle some confidence going into the game.

However, Paul Merson doesn't have the hope or belief that we do and has predicted a heavy defeat in his column for Sportskeeda.

"This is a massive game for Newcastle at home, especially since they had a bad result last time around at Fulham. Before that trip to Craven Cottage, you'd have looked at the table and thought they're decent with 10 points from four games. But it truly seems like an oversight now; I predicted them to lose against Fulham and that's exactly what happened."

Paul Merson didn't hold back

Merson went on to obliterate Newcastle's performances as he predicted what the score will be on Saturday.

"Honestly, If we analyse Newcastle game-by-game they'd have no points because they haven't been good enough. They were well beaten by Fulham in the end, it was just a matter of time.

"If they play like that against Manchester City, they are going to get destroyed. Now if that happens, suddenly, they have a problem. Newcastle's next three fixtures are away at Everton, Brighton and Hove Albion at home and Chelsea away - that's not an easy run. That could end up looking like a really bad run, if they continue to play like this.

"Manchester City will miss Rodri. He's the player who knits everyone together. I don't see his absence becoming an immediate problem for City in the next few fixtures. But certainly, over the course of 50 games this season, it will take a toll.

"Pep Guardiola and company should be fairly comfortable here, though. I predict an easy win with a clean sheet.

"Prediction: Newcastle 0-3 Manchester City"