Paul Merson has predicted a “shock” result this weekend as Man Utd host Newcastle at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils moved up to fifth with a victory over Everton last weekend after bouncing back from a 6-3 thrashing at the hands of arch-rivals Man City.
Man Utd also had a positive result yesterday as they eventually overcame Omonia Nicosia 1-0 in the Europa League, courtesy of a 93rd-minute winner from Scott McTominay.
Newcastle are just a point and a place behind Man Utd in the Premier League standings after losing just one of their opening nine matches.
And Merson thinks Eddie Howe’s side will upset Man Utd at Old Trafford on Sunday with the former Arsenal midfielder predicting a 2-1 win for the Magpies.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “I like the way Newcastle are playing at the moment – they absolutely dismantled Fulham last week. You’ve got to give them credit – they’ve got the players and have pace on the counter.
“Erik ten Hag will have to play Cristiano Ronaldo now, won’t he? Ronaldo, in my opinion, is the best finisher in the world. You don’t score 700 goals by not being able to finish. You give him chances, and he scores goals. He makes the hardest things in the world look very easy.
“I think Casemiro needs some time. There’s a lot yet to come from him. This game is very different to the Everton fixture, and United will need to be at their best. I’m not too sure about this game, and that’s a big compliment for Newcastle.
“I’m going to go for a shock this weekend. Newcastle have the players in their team to hurt Manchester United. They’ve got the game to beat United, but they’ll need to pick the right pass. If they stick to Eddie Howe’s plan and execute it like they have been over the last couple of weeks, I think they’ll win.”
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League table with eight wins from a possible nine and they will be looking to build on their one-point lead at the top when they face Leeds at Elland Road on Sunday.
Merson is predicting a 2-0 win to Arsenal, he added: “Granit Xhaka has been absolutely outstanding this season. He’s been played further forward, and he’s been reliable – all of them have been. Arsenal haven’t carried one player this season, and every player has been playing well every week.
“I don’t think Ben White will make it to the World Cup squad, because he’s been playing at right-back. Tomiyasu was outstanding against Salah. Arteta changed it…
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