Paul Merson makes double prediction ahead of Newcastle vs Bournemouth

Paul Merson is backing Newcastle United to come away with a comfortable 2-0 win against Bournemouth this weekend.

The Sky Sports pundit accepts that the Cherries did brilliantly to come from 2-0 down to beat Nottingham Forest in their last away game, but feels Saturday's trip to St James' Park will be a far tougher test.

He's also been discussing Allan Saint-Maximin, who is expected to miss out once again as he steps up his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Merson believes his reputation is on the rise, but challenges him to find consistency, predicting that the 'big teams' will definitely be after him soon enough if he adds goals and assists to his game.

Speaking to Sportskeeda for his latest set of Premier League predictions, here's what he had to say:

'Bournemouth came from 2-0 down to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2, but I don't see them beating Newcastle United away from home. Allan Saint-Maximin is a player who has enhanced his reputation this season, but he needs to keep going at it to cement his status as a proven match-winner in the Premier League.

'If he adds goals and assists to his name consistently, the so-called 'big teams' will definitely be after him. That said, he's already at a massive club and the fans love him, so there's no need for him to push for a transfer at this point in time.'

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 Bournemouth