'Will run away': Paul Merson makes bold Newcastle United vs Southampton prediction

Newcastle United are set to kickstart their Premier League campaign as they host newly promoted Southampton on Saturday.

St James' Park is expected to be packed to the rafters with screaming Geordies as we open up the new season.

The summer transfer window currently hasn't been anything to rave about but should the Magpies sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and break the hearts of many Eagles who were adamant he wouldn't leave it could be considered more of a success.

Predictions for the season have been coming in thick and fast and with the season opener upon us pundits have now predicted results for GW1.

Paul Merson weighs in on Newcastle vs Southampton

The former Portsmouth and Middlesbrough forward spoke to Sportskeeda to grab his predictions for the first gameweek.

He predicted a comfortable win for the Magpies, a 3-0 win in their first game of the season.

On Newcastle vs Southampton, Merson said: "Southampton play good football, but they'll need to change it up in the Premier League.

"We saw it last season with Burnley - they kept shooting themselves in the foot last season.

"Vincent Kompany has now got the Bayern Munich job, and that sums it up - everyone's fascinated by the ball rolling to the back these days.

"These teams have got to be flexible. Southampton have got to go to Newcastle and keep the crowd quiet. You can't be passing the ball out the back and have it knocked off you - Newcastle will run away with it."

Newcastle to win on opening weekend?

Merson then focussed on Newcastle, heaping praise on the squad.

He said: "Newcastle will be competitive again this season, and they've got quality players. They've made steady progress.

"Newcastle have got to stay fit and if they do, they'll have a good season.

"There are not too many worse places to visit at the opening weekend if you're Southampton.

"Newcastle should be able to win the game."