Paul Merson agrees with two pundits over Newcastle vs Manchester United prediction

Paul Merson and two other TV pundits are predicting a tough 90 minutes for Manchester United when they get down to business against Newcastle tonight.

As the winter schedule continues to gather pace, United have endured a challenging few days on the road with away games against Everton and Galatasaray already under their belts in the last week. It does not get any easier for them at St. James' Park, either, despite grabbing five wins in their last six Premier League matches.

United could be without seven players - including £60million signing Mason Mount - due to injury against fellow top-four contenders. Here's how Merson, Chris Sutton and Mark Lawrenson see this one playing out;

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Both sides have to be devastated after their midweek games. Newcastle must have felt like they had qualified before PSG pulled one back right before the final whistle. They were outstanding, but an absolute disgrace of a VAR decision spoiled their party.

United keep throwing away leads. Erik ten Hag has got to understand that he's not managing Ajax anymore and you don't have to entertain all the time. I don't see United toughing it out against Newcastle. They were excellent [against Chelsea] and I'd be shocked if they don't win this one.

Score prediction: Newcastle United 3-1 Manchester United

United did some good things going forward against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday night, but they also did some bad things at the back. Newcastle will feel hard done by after they lost to PSG and I think we'll see a strong performance from them back at St James' Park.

Eddie Howe's side hammered