Friday 24 April 2015 09:13, UK
Paul Merson insists Newcastle cannot count themselves out of the Premier League relegation battle just yet.
The Magpies have lost six games in a row, leaving them just seven points above the drop-zone having played a game more than Sunderland, Hull and Leicester.
John Carver’s side host Swansea at St James’ Park on Saturday, and Merson has predicted a 2-1 win for the visitors, a result which he believes would see them right back in the relegation mix.
“Newcastle are in disarray, absolute disarray,” Merson told Sky Sports. “They need to win a football game and win one fast. Looking at my predictions, I have to say I do think they’re in danger of getting into trouble.
“I’ve got Swansea down to beat them, and I’ve got Burnley and Leicester to draw, so they’ll each be a point closer to them if so.
“I also think QPR will beat West Ham – they have to – so if results go with my predictions, then Newcastle are back in the mix, certainly.”
Merson believes one Newcastle win from their last five games should see them avoid relegation, but he’s finding it difficult to guess where they could collect three points.
He said. “I think one win for them will be enough, but it’s difficult to see where that’s going to come from – they’ve got Leicester away, QPR away, and West Ham at home on the last day won’t be an easy game.
“Even if they do stay up, they’ve got to finish the season well somehow, for ticket sales if nothing else. How many of the fans will be thinking of renewing their season tickets right now? Not many, I’d say.”
Merse does not expect Carver to be handed the manager’s role on a permanent basis this summer, and has tipped up Steve McClaren as Newcastle’s potential saviour.
He said: “I feel bad for John Carver, I think the players have let him down, but he hasn’t won enough games to stay in the job.
“I just hope the club keep him on their books somehow, it wouldn’t be right to just cut ties with him, too many clubs do that when good servants step up to help out.
“I think Steve McClaren is the right man for the job though, but only if Derby don’t go up. He’s a solid manager and is proven at Premier League level.”
