Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have four points from their opening two Premier League games ahead of Sunday’s clash at St James’ Park.
Tottenham beat Everton 4-0 last weekend to claim their first win of the season after drawing 1-1 with newly promoted Leicester City on the opening day.
On the other hand, Newcastle held Bournemouth 1-1 last weekend after beating Southampton 1-0 in the opening game of the season, despite being down ten players.
With both teams fighting for a place in the top four, it promises to be an exciting contest.
And Paul Merson believes Newcastle will need an important win in front of their home fans to build on their strong start to the season.
Paul Merson predicts Newcastle United to beat Tottenham Hotspur
Despite describing their 4-0 win against Everton as “brilliant”, Merson believes Spurs’ form away from home is definitely cause for concern.
“Tottenham got a brilliant result when they beat Everton 4-0 last weekend. But I’m backing Newcastle to win,” Merson wrote in his column for Sportskeeda.
“It’s a real test for Spurs, especially considering they’re playing away.
“In the past I’ve seen Tottenham get destroyed away from home in this game, so it’s a big psychological test for them as well.”
The Arsenal legend highlighted Tottenham’s second-half struggle against Leicester as a problem and added that the atmosphere at St James’ Park would see the home side to a 2-1 victory.
Merson continued: “The fans at St James’ Park will certainly be ready for this game. It will be a different atmosphere there on Sunday.
“Tottenham have a lot to lose here and if they come out of this ordeal unscathed it will be a huge positive for them.
“The second half against Leicester didn’t really impress me and that’s why I think Newcastle can beat them in this game.”
Both sides have injury concerns
Ange Postecoglou confirmed in a press conference that Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are injured, while Rodrigo Bentacur is back in action.
Newcastle will be without Callum Wilson and Lewis Miley, while Joe Willock faces a race against time to prove his fitness after limping off in the Magpies’ Carabao Cup win against Nottingham Forest.
The return of Sandro Tonali will be a huge boost for Eddie Howe as the Italy international makes his first appearance for the club against Forest after serving a 10-month ban.
Neither side have fully fit squads, but they have enough quality in their ranks to provide competitive football.