Paul Merson verdict on Newcastle United four weeks into the season… | OneFootball

Paul Merson speaking about Newcastle United.

United with four weeks and three games of the new season having gone by.

Then an international break bringing everything to a halt.

Arguably not the worst thing in the world this time for Newcastle United, as it finally gave Eddie Howe a little bit of time to take stock and now prepare for the rest of the season with his six summer signings.

Eddie Howe and team now preparing for their next match. A 3pm kick-off on Saturday, home to Wolves.

Paul Merson discussing how things now stand for Newcastle United as they prepare for this St James’ Park clash, after the first international break of the season.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Newcastle v Wolves:

“I can’t see anything but a Newcastle win here.

“Wolves are really struggling at the moment.

“I know Newcastle haven’t been ripping it up either, but this is a great fixture for them to get back on track.

“Eddie Howe has to start with Nick Woltemade, if not both him and Yoane Wissa together.

“Wissa hasn’t played a lot of football recently, so I’m not sure if he goes straight into the starting eleven. But if you’re those two forwards, there is no better opportunity to get off the mark than facing Wolves at home!

“I always go with the logic that if the best team in the league wants to sign you, then you’re a good player. Bayern Munich wanted Woltemade, so he must know how to play!

“If him and Wissa can together get the goals scored by Isak last season, it’s a good transfer window for Newcastle in my opinion

“Newcastle have played better than what their points tally suggests so far this season. I expect them to win.

“Prediction: Newcastle United 3 Wolves 0”

Actually, I agree with a lot of what Paul Merson has to say.

Whilst a point was fair against Leeds, Newcastle for sure deserved to win against Villa and Liverpool (with both 11 and 10 men on the pitch!).

It is also of course true that if you don’t take enough of your chances, then it doesn’t matter how well you play.

With no Wilson or Isak, Eddie Howe had no senior striker to play through the middle, with Gordon and Osula filling in. Now he has two big options.

The one thing I disagree with Paul Merson about, is Nick Woltemade.

I agree totally with the part where he says the fact that Bayern Munich were desperate to sign the striker, backs up the fact that he could prove a great signing for Newcastle.

However, where I disagree, is the expectation that Nick Woltemade will start on Saturday.

Yoane Wissa is the ready to go Premier League experienced striker who has had four years in the English top tier and scored 19 PL goals last season, none of them penalties. He has just scored in both DR Congo internationals and got an assist, looking in great shape physically.

Only injury could possibly prevent Wissa starting tomorrow and Thursday brought positive media reports on his fitness from the NUFC training ground.

Eddie Howe has repeatedly taken the brave route of giving players time to adapt, especially younger players, even more so if coming in from another league, another country.

Nick Woltemade has only started 32 top tier matches (in the Bundesliga) in his entire career so far. He had a massive breakthrough season last year with Stuttgart but I would be amazed if Eddie Howe doesn’t intend to use him from the bench initially, these games against Wolves, Barcelona and Bournemouth for starters. With then Bradford in the cup looking very likely his first start, in my opinion.

Anyway, I see Newcastle United very much going for it from the first whistle with a high press on Saturday, try and get the first goal and impose themselves on Wolves. I am confident that United will take all three points and really kick-off our season.

Newcastle United fixtures confirmed dates and times (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Saturday 13 September – Newcastle v Wolves (3pm)

Thursday 18th September: Newcastle United vs FC Barcelona (8pm)

Sunday 21 September – Bournemouth v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 24 September – Newcastle v Bradford (7.45pm) Sky Sports+

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

Wednesday 1st October: Union SG vs Newcastle United (5:45pm)

Sunday 5 October– Newcastle v Forest (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 18 October – Brighton v Newcastle (3pm)

Tuesday 21st October: Newcastle United vs Benfica (8pm)