Paul Merson predicts result of Everton v Newcastle Premier League clash
Paul Merson has sat on the fence and predicted that Everton and Newcastle will share the spoils when they meet at Goodison Park on Thursday, 27 April.
The Toffees need a win to get out of the relegation zone while the Magpies require three points to further establish their credentials to finish in the top four.
Sean Dyche has come in and solidified his side’s record at home to a certain extent, but it will be difficult to pick up three points against one of the league’s most in-form teams.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said, “Everton are in real trouble at the moment. They got a result against Palace the other day, but I look at their remaining fixtures and worry for them. The only way they can save themselves is by drawing their way out – I can’t see them winning a match at the moment.
“Newcastle are virtually in the Champions League now, and they might take their eyes off their campaign. They’ve got to make sure they don’t lose too many games, and that could work in Everton’s favour.
“Everton are a hard team to beat, and they play a certain way. They need to get out of the bottom three as soon as possible, by either points or goal difference. They need to nick a few draws here and there, and I think they can pull it off this week.
“Prediction: Everton 1-1 Newcastle United.”
Not as simple
Merson’s suggesting that Newcastle will take their eyes off the prize and it’s clearly not going to be the case as there’s plenty of football still to play.
Yes, Eddie Howe’s side are in a good place, but they cannot rest on their laurels and expect favours from other teams each time.
Spurs and Liverpool are both inconsistent while it may seem a step too high for Aston Villa and Brighton at this stage of the season.
Everton need to be prepared to host a side that will treat this game as a cup final so they need to prepare for it accordingly.
It’s going to be far from easy with the hosts likely to spend most of their time without the ball and play on the counter attack.
Having Dominic Calvert-Lewin back is surely an added boost for them but it’s important that they stay as compact as possible and not give the Newcastle attacking players much to work with.