Writing in his column for SportsKeeda, Paul Merson has had a go at predicting this weekend’s game between Newcastle and Aston Villa.
The Magpies face the Villans this weekend in a clash between two of the Premier League’s most historic clubs, and this has all the ingredients to be a fantastic game.
Newcastle have been flying this season and are actively making a charge on the top four. Meanwhile, Villa are coming off the back of a 4-0 win and a huge upturn in form after the departure of Steven Gerrard.
Merson believes that this could be a great game, but he can’t predict any other outcome than a Newcastle win, stating that the Magpies will take this match 3-1.
Newcastle 3-1 Aston Villa
Merson gave his prediction and his reasoning.
“If Aston Villa’s players turn up, this will be a good game. They turned it one against Brentford last week. Unai Emery will try to get them to be solid in his first game, but I don’t think he’ll have enough time,” Merson wrote.
“Emery’s a good appointment for Aston Villa. He’s worked in the Premier League before with a big football club, and he knows his opponents. He’s left a very good team in Villarreal – we saw that last year. If you want to win La Liga, you need to beat Villarreal – they’re one of those teams. This appointment is a big coup for Aston Villa.
“Newcastle are playing as well as anybody at the moment. They outplayed Tottenham last week, and they’ve been absolutely outstanding this season. Newcastle should be able to win this game.”
No Emery
Merson says that Emery won’t have enough time to get Villa set, and he’s absolutely right.
He doesn’t mention it, but Emery won’t even be in the dugout for this game – he doesn’t start officially until November 1, so that is a non-factor here.
Villa did look stronger last weekend under Aaron Danks, but Newcastle are a different beast than Brentford, so, just like Merson, we’re predicting a win for the Magpies in this one.
Villa are no pushovers, but Newcastle genuinely look like one of the Premier League’s best teams right now.
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