Paul Merson hits nail on head and BBC pundit issues brutal Newcastle v Southampton prediction

Paul Merson and Chris Sutton both agree on one thing heading into today's 2pm kick-off between Newcastle and Southampton - they both expect a convincing win for Eddie Howe's Mags.

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson's comments are (surprisingly) bang on. He's praised the sensible approach from our mega-rich owners, insisting we've appointed an 'excellent' manager and several smart signings without throwing silly money around.

He believes we'll 'blow Southampton away' as long as we keep our eye on the ball and feels the Champions League 'will be a better place' with St James' Park and the our fans involved again, speaking like a man who believes a top-four finish is imminent.

The Sky Sports pundit has gone for a 3-0 win, yet Chris Sutton's prediction piece for the BBC expects things to get even uglier for the Saints; who he felt played like a team who'd 'already been relegated' in their 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Thursday.

As a result, he's backing us to 'wipe the floor' with them today and come away 5-0 winners. Let's hope he's right, as that would mean 15 Premier League goals in seven days!

Here's what both had to say, starting with Merson's comments on the club and today's game:

Paul Merson on Newcastle vs Southampton

Newcastle United haven't gone around and thrown money even though they've got rich owners. They brought in an excellent manager and made some excellent signings. Fair play to them, they've done a great job by being judicious with their resources.

The Champions League will be a better place with them and their fans. As long as they have their eye on the ball, they will blow Southampton away.

The Magpies did go through a dip in form but have now won seven out of their last eight games. Southampton don't stand a chance against this high-flying Newcastle team.

Prediction: 3-0

Chris Sutton on Newcastle vs Southampton

This is the 'Alan Shearer derby' between two of his old clubs and there is only going to be one winner.

Southampton were a disgrace on Thursday, bearing mind they were at home and needed to win the game. I thought their performance was gutless and they offered so little in attack.

The position Saints are in, I was expecting them to play with desperation and throw everything they could at Bournemouth. Instead, they looked like a team who had already been relegated. How on earth they got a point against Arsenal last week, I really don't know.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are just absolutely flying. They have everything they need to finish the season strongly and secure a top-four finish - I think they will wipe the floor with Southampton for starters.

Prediction: 5-0