Paul Merson has offered his take on Newcastle United’s progress eleven weeks into the new Premier League season, and his verdict suggests he believes Eddie Howe’s side are beginning to show their true strength despite an intense run of fixtures.
The Magpies have been tested in every way possible since the campaign began, juggling the demands of the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup.
Every midweek has brought another challenge, yet Newcastle have managed to find consistency and form as they prepare for their next test a Sunday afternoon clash away to West Ham.
Speaking ahead of the match, Merson analysed the contrasting fortunes of both sides and didn’t hesitate to back Newcastle for another victory. In his column for Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal midfielder was blunt in his assessment of West Ham’s current struggles.
“West Ham are the worst team in the league when it comes to playing at home, and this weekend they face Newcastle, who have only won once away from home all season,” he said. “I don’t think West Ham have won at home since February 27, and that was against Leicester City, who got relegated.”
Merson pointed out the alarming nature of West Ham’s decline, highlighting how Brentford “absolutely destroyed them” in their last home outing.
Despite Newcastle’s demanding schedule, he could see only one outcome this weekend. His score prediction reflected his confidence in Eddie Howe’s team, forecasting a 3-1 victory for the Magpies.
It’s difficult to disagree with Merson’s assessment given the statistics. West Ham’s home form has been nothing short of disastrous. It has been more than eight months since they last celebrated a victory at the London Stadium.
This season alone, they have lost all four of their home league games, conceding twelve goals and scoring just twice. The most recent defeat a 2-0 loss to Brentford could have been far heavier if the visitors had been more clinical.
The team’s defensive issues, combined with a lack of creativity in attack, have left supporters frustrated and the atmosphere around the club increasingly tense.
On the other hand, Newcastle are trending upward. Despite having to navigate a packed fixture list and a string of injuries, Eddie Howe’s side have won five of their last six matches in all competitions.
Their form has been driven by discipline, organization, and an attacking edge that has returned after a slow start to the season. The only recent defeat came against Brighton, a game that Newcastle could easily have taken control of before being undone by a late counterattack.
It’s also worth noting that while Newcastle’s away record might not look remarkable on paper with just one win they have only suffered one defeat on their travels this season.
In their other four away games, goalkeeper Nick Pope has kept clean sheets, underlining the defensive solidity that has become a hallmark of Howe’s side.
Those statistics show that Newcastle have been difficult to beat on the road, and with their confidence growing, they will view the trip to West Ham as another chance to make a statement.
Eddie Howe’s management has been pivotal in maintaining focus and resilience during this hectic period. He has handled injuries, rotation, and fixture congestion with remarkable calm, ensuring the team stays competitive on all fronts.
The chemistry within the squad is beginning to shine through, with new signings integrating seamlessly and the established players performing at a consistently high level.
The attacking partnership between Nick Woltemade and Alexander Isak has been especially promising, while the midfield, led by Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, continues to dictate games with intelligence and composure.
If Newcastle carry their recent form into the match, and West Ham continue to struggle for confidence at home, it’s hard to see anything other than another Newcastle victory.
Their ability to press high, exploit set pieces, and remain compact defensively gives them the upper hand. As Merson rightly pointed out, the balance of quality and momentum heavily favours the visitors.
For Newcastle, a win would not only solidify their position in the top half of the table but also send a clear message about their intent to challenge for a European spot again this season.
West Ham, meanwhile, face growing pressure to turn their form around before the situation becomes desperate. Based on recent performances, however, it seems likely that Eddie Howe’s side will leave the capital with three more points and their confidence higher than ever.
