West Ham United: Paul Merson predicts result of Newcastle showdown in ‘languishing’ verdict
West Ham United’s four-match unbeaten run in the Premier League will come to an end against Newcastle United on Saturday 30 March, according to Paul Merson.
The Sky Sports pundit believes that David Moyes’ side will be unable to return from the March international break with a win at St James’ Park, predicting the home side will claim all three points with a 2-0 win.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies are “languishing” below the Irons in the table and have been hit by a number of big injuries, but Merson still thinks Newcastle will have enough to squeeze past the Irons on Saturday.
Writing for Sportskeeda on Thursday (28 March) he said: “Newcastle and West Ham have got to start somewhere when it comes to winning trophies. If that requires them to fight for a European spot, they need to work towards it and focus on getting the right results, especially in matches like these.
“Newcastle are languishing in 10th place in the Premier League table and need to start picking up points. They have had loads of injuries, but that’s the case with most other teams. Newcastle may not find this game comfortable, but I do expect them to win.”
Will West Ham United be able to beat Newcastle and qualify for the Europa League?
After a difficult start to 2024, West Ham seem to have finally found their feet under Moyes again in recent weeks. It may not be the most exciting football, but the Irons have a formula to compete in each and every game.
Moyes still has his critics and supporters will almost certainly be calling for his head if Merson’s prediction comes true, but behind-the-scenes appointments suggest the Scotsman will still be in charge next season.
A defeat to Newcastle would massively dent the Irons’ hopes of qualifying for Europe again next season and that will mean that pressure will once again mount on the Hammers manager if points are dropped.
Hopefully, Moyes’ side will return reinvigorated and energised following the March international break and pick up an impressive away win on Saturday to prove Merson and all their doubters wrong.
In other West Ham news, Anton Ferdinand has made a new Lucas Paqeuta transfer admission in a Manchester City verdict
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