'They'll get destroyed': Paul Merson predicts who will win on Saturday - Arsenal or Newcastle

Newcastle United face a difficult Premier League game this weekend as they travel to Arsenal for the late kick-off on Saturday - 8pm live on TNT Sports.

Arsenal have only just recovered from the controversial goal that sunk them the last time these two sides met, but we're sure that will resurface in the build-up on Saturday night.

Newcastle go into this game undefeated in five games, but picking up draws when they should be winning, whereas Arsenal just suffered a Champions League defeat to Porto last night.

Newcastle could have two big players back to face Arsenal

The Magpies will be hoping the reported returns of Alexander Isak and Joe Willock will be a boost to the team, but it's going to be a difficult night no matter who is in the squad.

Sportbible

Paul Merson certainly believes Newcastle will have their work cut out for them as he's gone big with his score prediction for Sportskeeda.

"I don't think their European setback will affect Arsenal this weekend. Newcastle have been inconsistent recently but have managed to remain unbeaten in their last five matches. They're scoring goals, but they're conceding far too many goals as well. They cannot go to Arsenal this weekend and defend like that - they'll get destroyed.

"Newcastle's defence is struggling at the moment, but they don't have much to play for. I like watching them play because they open games up, but they don't want to do that against Arsenal - it could get messy. Bukayo Saka could have a field day in this fixture, and I expect Arsenal to win this game comfortably.

"Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle United"

We are really hoping Merse has got it wrong here

We wished we could write this off as his Arsenal bias showing, but we fear he may have a point.

Our defence has been, shall we say, less than optimal lately and Eddie Howe has some big calls to make when it comes to his lineup to face the Gunners, namely the Dan Burn situation.

Hopefully, Merson is way off the mark with his prediction - who knows how that last-minute defeat to Porto will affect them.