Paul Merson verdict on Newcastle United and Alexander Isak a week into the season… | OneFootball

Paul Merson speaking about Newcastle United.

United with one game of the new season having gone by, picking up a point at Villa and putting in a very decent performance.

Eddie Howe’s team preparing for their next match. An 8pm kick-off tonight.

A first home game of the season at St James’ Park, against Liverpool.

Newcastle United hoping to reproduce a similar performance and result to the last meeting with Liverpool, at Wembley, just over five months ago.

Paul Merson discussing the possibilities for Newcastle United in this home game.

With of course, Paul Merson also talking about…Alexander Isak.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Newcastle v Liverpool:

“Thanks to Alexander Isak, this has become the spiciest game of the season!

“It’s a massive acid test for Liverpool at St James’ Park.

“I was impressed with Newcastle against Villa last weekend. Sandro Tonali was different class and if they had a proper centre-forward, they would have won that game easily. I suppose that’s why the fans are so angry with Isak, Newcastle are not a bad team anymore!

“I fully understand Isak’s feelings but the circumstances at Newcastle have changed.

“They are in the Champions League now and they’re not in a situation where they must offload him for £100 million to balance their books. This is an ambitious club and they want to keep their best players.

“But if you are Newcastle, you have to sort this out at the earliest.

“What if Isak decides he won’t play for the club, if he isn’t sold? They would have to keep paying him for doing nothing at least until January. So it’s best to get rid of him and bring in someone else.

“He’s not the first player to do it, happens every year! We have Yoane Wissa doing the same at Brentford. Isak is a bigger name and that’s why it’s making all the headlines here.

“It will be an insane atmosphere on Monday night, no doubt about it.

“This is a hard test for Liverpool against Newcastle’s midfield. Liverpool made it an end-to-end game against Bournemouth because they knew it suits them. Even though they conceded twice in that game, they still scored four goals.

“But if Newcastle can keep things tight and be solid in midfield, which I think they will, it won’t be easy for Liverpool.

“Arne Slot’s men are always going to be a bit open on the right side because of Jeremie Frimpong’s attacking nature. Teams are going to work out how to get around that side and that will be a worry for Liverpool. Harvey Barnes could enjoy a lot of freedom on that flank here.

“I think Anthony Gordon will once again start centrally, even though it doesn’t suit him completely. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a quality player and has troubled Liverpool in the past. But I just think it’s best when he comes inside from a wider position.

“I believe Newcastle can cause problems to Liverpool.

“This should be an entertaining watch, won’t want to miss it for anything in the world!

“Prediction: Newcastle United 2 Liverpool 2”

I can’t really disagree with much at all of what Paul Merson says here.

I think we are all expecting an ‘insane’ atmosphere tonight and a case then of which of the two teams handles it best.

The only disagreement I would really have with the Paul Merson comments, is when he declares; “What if Isak decides he won’t play for the club, if he isn’t sold? They would have to keep paying him for doing nothing at least until January. So it’s best to get rid of him and bring in someone else.”

There has not been a credible offer for Alexander Isak, only Liverpool trying it on with a £110m bid that they knew was totally disrespectful to Newcastle United, who have made clear that if they were ever willing to sell, it would be £150m minimum. More importantly, the idea of letting Isak leave when United don’t even have a replacement for Callum Wilson, never mind one for Alexander Isak, is just senseless.

Reality is that if Isak is still here once the window closes, then he will for sure come back into group training and then eventually the squad/team.

If refusing to play until January, or next summer, that would harm Alexander Isak at least as much as it would harm Newcastle United.

Newcastle United upcoming match schedule:

Saturday 30 August – Leeds v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 13 September – Newcastle v Wolves (3pm)

Saturday 20 September – Bournemouth v Newcastle (3pm)

Sunday 28 September– Newcastle v Arsenal (4.30pm) Sky Sports