Paul Merson expects Newcastle United to brush aside Nottingham Forest this weekend. The former Arsenal winner has predicted a 2-0 victory for the Magpies in their Premier League opener.
Despite forecasting a win, Merson thinks “the pressure is on” Newcastle after a solid end to the campaign in 2021-22. The Saudi-backed takeover has also raised expectations on Tyneside, with around £150million spent on first-time additions since Mike Ashley sold the club.
Forest provide a stern test as they make their Premier League return after 23 years. Play-off triumph in May ended their exile from the top flight but Merson believes Eddie Howe’s men will be too much for the Reds on home soil.
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In his SportsKeeda column, he wrote: “The pressure is on Newcastle because everybody is expecting big things from them. They haven't made many big signings, and I had a feeling they'd take this approach.
“They were never going to sign superstar after superstar like it's a FIFA game. They've got to build steadily, and it doesn't help to sign only two big names for a lot of money.
“I like what they're doing at Newcastle, and I think they should aim for a top-half finish and a great cup run. If they want to have an excellent Premier League season, they have to win this match.”
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