Paul Merson questions Newcastle United's consistency as he predicts who will win on Saturday when NUFC face Burnley
Newcastle United don't have to wait long to hopefully banish the disappointment of conceding another late goal to drop points on Tuesday as they take on Burnley at St James' Park on Saturday in a traditional, non-televised 3 pm kick-off.
It was definitely a case of two points dropped for the Magpies on Tuesday night as Tottenham twice came from behind to share the points.
Newcastle dominated the game and kept Spurs at bay, with the visitors only having two shots on target all night. Unfortunately for Newcastle, both of those efforts found the net.
Thankfully, with the intense fixture list right now, the lads don't have long to dwell on such things before they are thrust back into action, and Newcastle have a golden opportunity to pick up maximum points on Saturday.
Paul Merson predicts a big win for Newcastle on Saturday
As Paul Merson says in his score prediction for Sportskeeda, Burnley are one of the sides you'd love to play right now, particularly when they're away from home. Even with Newcastle's inconsistency, the former Arsenal man only sees one winner here.
"I can't see anything but a Newcastle win. Burnley away and Wolves anywhere are the two teams you want to play at the moment. Newcastle are moving steady in the league, and even though they are 12th on the table, just five points separate them from Chelsea in fourth.
"Newcastle are a team that can beat anyone on their day. The only thing they're lacking is consistency. I think they will finish in the top four if they can be consistent, certainly have the players to do it. Let's not forget, it's a big week coming up for Newcastle. After the trip to Burnley, they face Leverkusen in the Champions League in a clash that can help them move closer to the knockout stages, if they win. And then, it's the big derby against Sunderland next weekend! So it's important they set the right momentum by beating Burnley.
"If Newcastle turn up with the same tempo they set when facing big teams, they will win this game comfortably. If they are complacent, Burnley can hurt them.
"Prediction: Burnley 0-3 Newcastle United"
Paul Merson has taken a leaf out of the NUFC FEED playbook
Ignoring the fact that Merse has taken a leaf out of my book and got his fixtures back to front, he's gone for a big Newcastle win.
I have checked thrice, we are definitely at home on Saturday, not away as Merson has suggested. We wonder, had he realised the game was at St James' Park, whether he'd have had us winning by a bigger margin.
It happens to the best of us Merse. Of course, had I not so recently done the exact same thing, I would be ripping him a new one right now.
