Paul Merson makes two Newcastle predictions ahead of Man City clash

Paul Merson has released his pre-match prediction ahead of tonight's 5.30pm kick off at St James' Park, where Eddie Howe's Mags take on Man City.

The Sky Sports pundit believes our hopes of sealing a top four finish will be over if we don't beat the Champions - the gap between us and fourth is currently 11 points - and fears Pep Guardiola's side will sneak a narrow 2-1 win.

Merson thinks we'll come into this on a high after beating Sunderland last weekend and "wouldn't be surprised" if we come away with a point. However, he's backing City to raise their game, with three points vital for them after slipping five points behind Liverpool at the top.

Here's what he told Sportskeeda ahead of the game:

"Newcastle are slowly getting some injured players back and are coming on the back of a good result against arch-rivals Sunderland. The win would've surely boosted their morale, but Sunderland were never going to get anything from the game after the team they put out, and Newcastle's XI was miles apart on the night.

Eddie Howe's side are really good at home and have to win this one to have a glimmer of hope in terms of finishing top four, but Manchester City are also in need of a win as they aim to close the gap at the top of the table to just two points. They'll have to be patient, though, as St. James' Park is a tough place to visit.

In terms of the title race, anything other than a Man City defeat here would make them favorites. Liverpool have a bunch of difficult games against Bournemouth, Arsenal and Chelsea coming up and are missing a lot of key players due to injuries and international commitments, so Pep Guardiola and Co. will look to capitalize.

If Man City lose here and Liverpool beat Arsenal when the two sides face each other in three weeks (February 4), then the Reds will emerge as favorites as they have been in such situations before and held their nerves.

You talk about clubs making signings in January to revitalize their squads for the second half of the season, but just look at what's happening at Manchester City. They have Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland returning after their respective injury absences - that's almost like £200m worth of talent coming into the team. It's simply mindblowing, no two ways about it.

I think Manchester City will secure a narrow win but wouldn't be surprised if this game ends all square."

Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester City