Paul Merson predicts Newcastle United v Bournemouth – gives transfer verdict on ‘enhanced’ star

Newcastle sit level on points with the newly-promoted Cherries going into the game as they look to end a run of five Premier League games without a win.

But Merson is backing Eddie Howe’s side to end that run against his former club this weekend as he has predicted a 2-0 home win.

"Bournemouth came from 2-0 down to beat Nottingham Forest 3-2, but I don’t see them beating Newcastle United away from home,” he told Sportskeeda.

The former Arsenal and Aston Villa forward went on to mention the impact of Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin so far this season. However, the Frenchman is an injury doubt for the match having missed United’s last two games due to a hamstring injury.

“Allan Saint-Maximin is a player who has enhanced his reputation this season,” Merson added. “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.”

If not this weekend, Saint-Maximin is likely to be back in contention for Newcastle after the international break when they travel to London to face Fulham on October 1 (3pm kick-off).