Paul Merson makes predictions for Chelsea vs Newcastle and Aston Villa vs Man Utd

Paul Merson has revealed his prediction for Manchester United’s clash with Aston Villa and Chelsea’s ‘must-win’ match against Newcastle United.

United suffered their first defeat under interim head coach Michael Carrick last time out, losing 2-1 to ten-man Newcastle after William Osula’s late winner.

A lack of FA Cup or European action means it will have been 11 days since that defeat when they host Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Unai Emery’s side earned a hard-fought 1-0 win over Lille in the Europa League on Thursday, but one win in their last six league matches has left Villa below United and in fourth.

And Merson believes that Villa’s poor league form will continue against United, who know a win would bolster their own Champions League ambitions.

‘Aston Villa got blown away by Chelsea last weekend,’ he told Sportskeeda. ‘That was a worrying result for them. Now this is a big football match coming up against Manchester United.

‘I know Manchester United lost to 10-man Newcastle in their last game. But Villa miss Youri Tielemans and Boubacar Kamara in their midfield. With Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes clicking well for United, I’m backing the hosts to get a good result at Old Trafford.

‘Now if my prediction becomes true, that would point some fingers at Aston Villa. Can they qualify for the Champions League next season? We know they are involved in the Europa League.

‘Sooner or later, they could be forced to highlight that competition as their best route back to the Champions League.

‘I actually think they may have a better chance of winning the Europa League and returning to the Champions League than finishing inside the top five. So their game against Lille before the trip to Old Trafford is actually more important!

‘If Villa secure a comfortable lead in the first leg against Lille, I expect Unai Emery to have a go at Manchester United. If not, he will rest his players considering they don’t have depth in their squad. I’m backing United to win but Villa won’t be blown away like last weekend.’

Before United and Villa meet at Old Trafford on Sunday, Chelsea will be looking to pile on the pressure with a positive result against Newcastle on Sunday evening.

Liam Rosenior’s side virtually saw their Champions League hopes go up in flames in midweek after a costly 5-2 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain away from home.

And the Blues may already be turning their attention back to the league, now, knowing that a win against Newcastle will massivly bolster their hopes of a top-five finish.

Eddie Howe’s side drew 1-1 with Barcelona in midweek after Lamine Yamal’s last-gasp penalty, and Merson believes that Newcastle could take their foot off the gas this weekend to give them the best hope in the second leg next week.

Predicting a 3-1 win for the Blues, Merson said: ‘Chelsea produced a brilliant result against Aston Villa. But their display in the Champions League round of 16 first leg against PSG now means they are unlikely to go through to the next stage!

‘I think it comes down to experience. Chelsea simply capitulated after the error from Filip Jorgensen. If they had a few more senior pros in that line-up, I’m sure they would have assessed the situation better and maybe managed the game a lot better to not concede the fourth and fifth goals.

‘The only way I see Chelsea returning to the Champions League next season is if they can finish in the top five. So this is a must-win game at home against Newcastle.

‘I was really impressed with Newcastle against Barcelona. Lewis Hall was amazing when he went up against Lamine Yamal. I believe Newcastle will feel positive about themselves after the draw with Barcelona.

‘Realistically speaking, Newcastle have more to play for in the second leg next week unlike Chelsea. So I won’t blame Eddie Howe if he decides to rest a few players for this game.

‘I know Barcelona are a different beast at home. But they play a high line and with Anthony Gordon expected to start that game, Newcastle will fancy their chances. I’m backing Chelsea to win here because I expect Howe to prioritise the next game against Barcelona.’

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