According to Paul Merson, Newcastle’s additional day to prepare for their Premier League match against West Ham will make a “big difference” and help them win at the London Stadium.
In his Sportskeeda predictions (5 October), the Sky Sports pundit complimented the Magpies’ “amazing” Champions League success against Paris Saint-Germain, admitting he was “scared” before to kick-off, and believes their trip to face the Hammers is the “bread and butter” they need to solidify that win.
Merson predicts a 2-1 away win for Eddie Howe’s team against Freiburg in the Europa League on Sunday (8 October), with the Irons going to Germany the following day.
“Newcastle pull off an incredible result in the Champions League,” Merson stated. They did things their way, put PSG under pressure, and had the crowd going.
“I was afraid they’d be overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion and play it like a European game.” The tempo was incredible, and what we witnessed demonstrated that the Premier League is the best league in the world.
“West Ham will not make it easy, but Newcastle has an extra day to prepare, which will make a big difference.”
“They need a big result to follow up on their victory against PSG. This is their bread and butter. They’ve got to get back into the top four, and I think they’ll win this game.”
Comedown
The Hammers picked up another win in Europe as well by beating Freiburg on Thursday night (5 October), and while it was a record-breaking win it probably didn’t match the occasion of the Magpie’s first Champions League victory in two decades.
Teams often experience a comedown after nights such as that when they return to domestic action so West Ham need to be ready to take full advantage.
Their victory over PSG demonstrated the quality the visitors at the weekend will have but some may be overlooking the fact that they come into the Premier League game a point and a place behind the Irons.
David Moyes’ side defeated Sheffield United last weekend, and with Carabao Cup and Europa Conference League successes, either side will hope the memories of losses to Manchester City and Liverpool are banished.
He’ll almost certainly want at least a point from this one to avoid having to restart his momentum, and he should be fairly confident of accomplishing so.