Paul Merson has been talking about Newcastle United.
NUFC now moving into the final months of the season.
It is Manchester United next up, an 8.15pm kick-off on Wednesday night at St James’ Park.
This will be match number 46 of the season for Newcastle United, only match number 30 for Manchester United.
A very intense period of time with Newcastle continuing to playing every midweek and weekend, due to ongoing Champions League and FA Cup games, as well as Premier League.
Paul Merson discussing how things now stand for Newcastle United as they prepare for this Manchester United clash.
Paul Merson declaring to Sportskeeda; “Newcastle look very tired. They don’t look like the team that usually play at St James’ Park. Just look at their recent results at home. 3-2 losses to Everton and Brentford, 2-0 loss to Villa, goalless draw against Wolves. It’s not the Newcastle we knew.”
It has certainly been an up and down rollercoaster season for Newcastle, across four competitions, including getting to the Carabao Cup semi-final for a third time in four seasons.
However, the former Middlesbrough player has a VERY interesting theory as to why Newcastle United are struggling at times.
Paul Merson declaring: “Last season, they had a good combination between Sven Botman and Fabian Schar at the back. They are getting a bit exposed this time around with Dan Burn in there. Don’t get me wrong, I like Burn and he’s a good player but they are not the team from last season.”
Paul Merson has bult a ‘remarkable’ reputation for his ‘extensive’ research/homework before making predictions and giving analysis.
This time is really special.
Paul Merson pointing to this brilliant Fabian Schar and Sven Botman partnership that was so important to success last season, as United won a trophy and qualified for the Champions League via the Premier League.
Well, only one small problem with his expert analysis.
Last season, Sven Botman didn’t play at all in the Carabao Cup final AND he only started three Premier League games alongside Fabian Schar, with United losing two of the three!
Of course, as we all (apart from Paul Merson…) know, Sven Botman had ongoing injury and fitness issues throughout last season and only started six Premier League matches in total.
Amusingly, Newcastle United’s most successful season in living memory was based on a Premier League central defensive partnership of Fabian Schar (started 33 PL matches in 2024/25) and starting 37 of 38 PL matches last season…Dan Burn!!!
As for Wednesday night’s match, Paul Merson declaring about the visitors: “Bruno Fernandes is back to his best under Michael Carrick. But in that game against Crystal Palace, I thought Manchester United were very slow to start. They were fortunate to not concede two goals. If Man U start like that against Newcastle, they are in trouble! Kobbie Mainoo has also stepped up so well in recent weeks. All Carrick has done is put everybody back in their best positions and they are playing freely. It’s definitely a good time to be a Manchester United supporter.”
Paul Merson is predicting an entertaining match at St James’ Park.
Merson thinking: “Newcastle are still a threat at home. They need their midfield three to start firing if they want to hurt Manchester United here. I expect an entertaining [2-2] draw.”
Whether or not Paul Merson knows that key member of the traditional NUFC midfield trio, Bruno Guimaraes, is a long-term injury, who knows???