Paul Merson has predicted that Newcastle United are going to endure a tough afternoon away to Luton Town on Saturday.
After the crushing Carabao Cup exit against Chelsea, Eddie Howe’s injured Magpies are bracing themselves for what could be a really challenging game at Kenilworth Road.
On paper, Newcastle have enough to beat Luton. But Rob Edwards’ side have looked decent at home at times, even if their results suggest otherwise.
Combine that with Newcastle’s injury worries and it is understandable why a lot of Toon fans are concerned heading into this game.
Paul Merson shares those concerns, and expects the Magpies’ struggles away from home to continue.
Paul Merson thinks Newcastle United will draw with Luton Town
As part of his latest column for Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted the results of every Premier League game this weekend. He believes Luton Town vs Newcastle United will be 1-1.
“I went to watch the game between Chelsea and Newcastle United in midweek,” he wrote.
“The Magpies might have only lost on penalties, but they did not look fluent at all. Luton Town are tough to play against at Kenilworth Road and this is a tricky fixture to call.
“Newcastle United have got just way too many injuries and they’re not anywhere close to full strength. Their players are dropping like flies at the moment.
“Kieran Trippier is struggling right now and it’s sad to see. His confidence seems to have dropped after a strong start to the season. I just think this is going to be a very difficult game for Eddie Howe’s men.
“If Luton get in front first, I don’t see Newcastle steamrolling them after that. I’m leaning towards Luton but I still think the spoils might be shared in this one.”
Newcastle in a difficult place heading to Luton
This is a game that Newcastle should win, but it will all depend on who Howe has available. Our predicted XI does not make for great reading, with Matt Ritchie tipped to make his first Premier League start in two years.
Given the atmosphere and the physicality Luton possess, it could be a really tough afternoon for us.
Merson has recognised that, and has summed up how a lot of Newcastle fans will be feeling ahead of this game.
As he says, we are nowhere near full strength, while Kieran Trippier’s confidence is the lowest it has been since joining the club. In an ideal world, Howe would rest him against Luton, but that simply might not be possible.
It is a really tough one to call, and a draw is a fair prediction. However, that will certainly not improve the mood on Tyneside after being dumped out of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup.
