Paul Merson brands Chelsea vs Newcastle United as 'must win' game for one team as he predicts score for Saturday night
Chelsea host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday evening. It's a 5:30pm kick-off live on Sky Sports.
Both sides played in the Champions League in midweek with very mixed fortunes. Newcastle managed a draw against Barcelona but were literally seconds away from it being a win.
Meanwhile, Chelsea folded like a wet napkin in Paris as PSG won 5-2 in their Round of 16 first-leg tie.
We can only hope that the differing fortunes continue on Saturday as Newcastle look to try and salvage something out of their Premier League season.
Paul Merson isn't expecting much from Newcastle
It certainly won't be easy, and Paul Merson seems to think it's going to be a washout given his score prediction for Sportskeeda.
"Chelsea produced a brilliant result against Aston Villa. But their display in the Champions League round of 16 first leg against PSG now means they are unlikely to go through to the next stage!
"I think it comes down to experience. Chelsea simply capitulated after the error from Filip Jorgensen. If they had a few more senior pros in that line-up, I'm sure they would have assessed the situation better and maybe managed the game a lot better to not concede the fourth and fifth goals.
"The only way I see Chelsea returning to the Champions League next season is if they can finish in the top five. So this is a must-win game at home against Newcastle.
"I was really impressed with Newcastle against Barcelona. Lewis Hall was amazing when he went up against Lamine Yamal. I believe Newcastle will feel positive about themselves after the draw with Barcelona.
"Realistically speaking, Newcastle have more to play for in the second leg next week unlike Chelsea. So I won't blame Eddie Howe if he decides to rest a few players for this game.
"I know Barcelona are a different beast at home. But they play a high line and with Anthony Gordon expected to start that game, Newcastle will fancy their chances. I'm backing Chelsea to win here because I expect Howe to prioritise the next game against Barcelona.
"Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Newcastle United"
A win for Newcastle would tee them up nicely ahead of the Barcelona return leg and Sunderland next weekend
Merson billed this one as a 'must-win' for Chelsea, but Newcastle could do with three points just as much as Chelsea.
Realistically, our European hopes may be gone, but while there's still a mathematical chance to surge up the table, especially given how inconsistent every team has been this season, we shouldn't be rolling over.
A win in London would be huge for our season and would also set us up nicely for the next Premier League fixture against some team called Sunderland.
