Paul Merson, Michael Owen & Mark Lawrenson predict Newcastle vs Tottenham - Interesting

It's that time of the year again! The new season kicks off at Old Trafford tonight and Paul Merson, Michael Owen and Mark Lawrenson have all made their predictions for the opening round of fixtures - and none of them think Spurs will beat us on Saturday.

The transfer window has become a little bit of a circus in this day and age, so it's nice to now be able to focus on football on the pitch - not the drama, confusion and ultimate frustration that

All three have went for draws, which perhaps shows that they now appreciate Rafa Benitez's hard to beat Newcastle United.

Here's what they've all had to say:

Paul Merson

"This is a tough one. This was an early game last year, and Spurs got a couple of late goals, but I feel they'll find it hard due to the World Cup.

"Spurs just haven't got their players back. Rafa Benitez will make them hard to beat. Spurs won't have the goals early on so Newcastle will hold on this year. I'm going for a goalless draw."

Prediction: Newcastle 0-0 Tottenham 

Michael Owen:

"West Brom striker Salomon Rondon is likely to join the Magpies this week, but their summer signings have been largely underwhelming and you can almost feel the frustration in Rafa Benitez’s voice as he prepares for the visit of Spurs.

"Spurs are yet to make a new signing themselves whilst their title/top four rivals continue to build and improve. Mauricio Pochettino has criticised what he believes to be the premature closure of the transfer window and feels Premier League clubs are at a disadvantage compared to the rest of Europe who have another three weeks to do their business.

"Spurs have several key players returning from World Cup action on Monday and it will be fascinating to see if Pochettino starts with Kane and co at St James’s Park on Saturday or keeps them on the bench.

"I think Newcastle will keep a point." 

Prediction: Draw 

Mak Lawrenson:

"Mourinho may be unhappy about not making enough signings, but Tottenham did not bring in any new faces whatsoever.

"This is a big season for Spurs with their move into their new ground, but I am not sure about how it will go for them.

"Newcastle have had a difficult summer, with their fans and the manager Rafa Benitez questioning the level of investment in the team.

"It was never going to be any different, though, was it? Magpies owner Mike Ashley wants to sell up and he was never going to say 'Here's £150m Rafa, go and enjoy yourself'.

"As for the game, I am going for a draw. We already know Rafa will set his side up to get a point and I think he would take that result now.

Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Tottenham

How do you see it panning out folks?

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