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

Paul Merson speaking about Newcastle United.

United with ten weeks of the new season having gone by.

A very intense period of time with NUFC playing every midweek, due to Champions League and Carabao Cup.

Eddie Howe and team now preparing for their next match.

A 3pm kick-off on Saturday, home to Fulham.

Paul Merson discussing how things now stand for Newcastle United as they prepare for this St James’ Park clash.

Paul Merson talking to Sportskeeda ahead of Newcastle v Fulham:

“I can’t believe where Newcastle are in the league table. I thought they were going to be top six at this stage, but they are 14th instead!

“But even their next opponents Fulham have underperformed so far this season. I’m not sure underperformed is the right word though, because there were games where Fulham deserved more in my opinion, but at least in terms of results, it has not gone according to plan at all.

“When Newcastle play with energy, close teams down quickly and press high up the pitch, they are a great team. But as soon as the energy drops and they get tired, it’s a huge struggle for them.

“I have a feeling they will move up the table soon though. Newcastle have a good team, the midfield is great and with Anthony Gordon and Nick Woltemade hitting form, they can soon go on a roll, winning three-four games on the spin! I’m not worried about them at all.

“Fulham did well against Arsenal. But that defeat was their third straight loss in the Premier League. Unfortunately for them, I expect that run to continue this weekend as well.

“Fulham have Wycombe coming up in the fourth round of the EFL Cup next week and I think they will have one eye on that game. Marco Silva’s team should look to have a real go at enjoying a deep cup run.”

“Prediction: Newcastle 3 Fulham 1”

I agree with some of what Paul Merson has had to say, less so certain other comments.

I think there are clear signs that Newcastle United are improving, as Eddie Howe has an increasing number of options in attacking areas.

The last four matches in the Premier League and Champions League have seen United win three of them and keep clean sheets in that trio of victories, whilst scoring ten goals in total over the last four games.

The exception of course was at Brighton, where Newcastle put in a really poor first half before playing far better after the break, as Eddie Howe made changes at half-time, in terms of substitutions and team set-up. United deservedly equalised and looked for all the world like they would go on to win, only to be sucker punched by a second excellent Welbeck finish.

As Paul Merson points out, Newcastle United do though of course have to start climbing the Premier League table after a vey difficult start to the season where a lot of factors went against How and his squad. Hopefully Merson proved correct with his prediction for Saturday and then indeed, Newcastle able to go on a three or four match winning run in the Premier League. Plus of course keep winning in the Champions League and League Cup at the same time…

Confirmed Newcastle United fixtures to 20 December 2025 (All of the Champions League matches will also be available to watch on TV in the UK):

Saturday 25 October – Newcastle v Fulham (3pm)

Wednesday 29 October – Newcastle v Spurs (8pm) ITV and Sky Sports

Sunday 2 November – West Ham v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 5 November: Newcastle United vs Athletic Club Bilbao (8pm)

Sunday 9 November – Brentford v Newcastle (2pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 22 November – Newcastle v Man City (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Tuesday 25 November: Olympique Marseille vs Newcastle United (8pm)

Saturday 29 November – Everton v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports

Tuesday 2 December – Newcastle v Spurs (8.15pm) Sky Sports

Saturday 6 December – Newcastle v Burnley (3pm)

Wednesday 10 December – Bayer Leverkusen v Newcastle United (8pm)