Paul Merson has a bizarre take on Newcastle when predicting the score against West Ham on Saturday

Newcastle United and West Ham meet in the Premier League at St James' Park on Saturday - Kick-off is 12:30pm live on TNT Sport.

Both teams will be trying to get back into Europe this season with Newcastle well off the pace for Champions League qualification, but could still grab a Europa Conference League spot, the title of which is held by Saturday's opponents.

Newcastle are four points behind West Ham who occupy the spot we're after, but the Magpies also have a game in hand, so a win on Saturday would be massive in the race for Europe.

Paul Merson has had a crack at his score prediction for this one for Sportskeeda but has made some odd claims in his preamble.

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Paul Merson backs Newcastle to beat West Ham on Saturday

Remember what we've just said about West Ham being the current Europa Conference League champions and look at what Merson has said.

"Newcastle and West Ham have go to start somewhere when it comes to winning trophies. If that requires them to fight for a European spot, they need to work towards it and focus on getting the right results, especially in matches like these.

"With the fair play rules now in place, teams are realising that they can't just rely on a massive cash injection to propel them to glory. We thought getting all that money would help Newcastle United turn things around massively, but that isn't how it has panned out.

"Newcastle are languishing in 10th place in the Premier League table and need to start picking up points. They have had loads of injuries, but that's the case with most other teams. Newcastle may not find this game comfortable, but I do expect them to win.

"Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 West Ham United"

We're not sure what point Merson was trying to make

I'm sorry, Merse, but if going from relegation favourites to Champions League in a season isn't a massive turnaround, I don't know what is, mate. So we haven't won anything yet, so what? It was never the plan to start winning things straight away, we knew it would take time and as long as we're heading in the right direction, especially given the financial restrictions and the bad luck we've suffered this season, then we can't really complain.

And as for West Ham - they won a trophy last season. They're doing it already.

Still, thanks for the vote of confidence and backing us to win. We do appreciate that.