“I have a strong feeling’: Paul Merson now predicts who will win on Saturday – Newcastle United or Bournemouth

Newcastle United gear up for an exciting clash against Bournemouth on Saturday in the 12:30 pm kick-off, broadcast live on TNT Sports. The Magpies are on the cusp of making history, aiming to achieve something no Newcastle side has managed before.

Fresh off the back of nine consecutive wins across all competitions, they now have the chance to extend their streak to an unprecedented ten victories. Both Kevin Keegan and Rafa Benitez led their teams to nine wins in a row during their respective eras but stumbled at the crucial tenth game.

Eddie Howe, facing his former club, will be determined to break that pattern and cement his name in Newcastle folklore.

The Cherries, however, have proven to be a tricky opponent for Howe. Despite his undeniable success as Newcastle’s manager, he has managed only one win in six attempts against Bournemouth, the club where he made his managerial name.

Yet, with Newcastle’s current form and momentum, there’s a strong belief among fans and pundits alike that this could finally be the breakthrough moment. The Magpies have been relentless in their performances, combining a solid defense with clinical finishing, and Saturday provides a golden opportunity to overcome their Bournemouth hoodoo.

Paul Merson, known for his bold predictions, has voiced strong confidence in Newcastle ahead of this fixture. In his analysis for Sportskeeda, Merson predicted a comfortable win for the Magpies, praising their current form and attacking prowess.

He pointed out that while Bournemouth showed promise in their recent 2-2 draw against Chelsea, they struggled to contain Chelsea’s attack in the first half. Newcastle, he argued, are far superior to Chelsea at this stage and possess the ruthlessness to capitalize on Bournemouth’s defensive lapses.

Central to Merson’s confidence is Newcastle’s talisman, Alexander Isak. The Swedish forward has been in scintillating form, earning accolades for his performances.

Merson even went as far as to call Isak the best number nine in the Premier League right now, ahead of Erling Haaland. He highlighted Isak’s superior body language and sharpness, which have been complemented by the brilliance of Newcastle’s midfield trio—Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton.

According to Merson, this dynamic combination has elevated Newcastle’s attacking threat to new heights.

The pundit also emphasized the importance of Newcastle maintaining their consistency in the coming weeks. With the EFL Cup semi-finals within reach and a strong position in the Premier League’s top four, the Magpies have the potential to make January a defining month for their season.

Merson noted that many teams struggle to maintain momentum after breaking into the top four, but he believes Newcastle have the quality and resilience to buck that trend. A commanding victory over Bournemouth, he argued, would not only extend their winning streak but also reinforce their credentials as genuine contenders.

Newcastle’s fans, while optimistic, remain cautiously hopeful. Despite the team’s free-scoring form, there’s a lingering sense of anxiety when it comes to Bournemouth.

For reasons difficult to pinpoint, the Magpies have often struggled to deliver their best against the Cherries. Yet, with the team firing on all cylinders and the likes of Isak and Guimaraes leading the charge, there’s every reason to believe that this time will be different.

Eddie Howe’s tactical flexibility has been a cornerstone of Newcastle’s recent success. By adjusting the midfield dynamics and unleashing Isak’s full potential, Howe has crafted a team capable of dominating games and converting chances.

The defense has been equally impressive, offering a solid foundation that allows the attacking players to flourish. This balance has been key to Newcastle’s remarkable run, and it’s a formula they’ll look to replicate against Bournemouth.

As the Magpies prepare for what could be a historic game, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A tenth consecutive win would not only set a new club record but also send a strong message to the rest of the league about Newcastle’s ambitions.

The players, the manager, and the fans are all acutely aware of the significance of this moment. With confidence high and form on their side, Newcastle will take to the field with one goal in mind: to make history and keep their incredible journey alive.