Merson
Ford Super Sunday: Newcastle v Norwich
3.30pm, Sun, Sky Sports 1 HD
Newcastle have done great to get to where they are, but they aren't having as much luck as they were at the start of the season.
They were 1-1 in the 93rd minute at Arsenal with the ball by the corner flag, but they still managed to lose the game. They shouldn't feel too hard-done-by, though, because they've had a great season. I definitely had them down for the bottom half, so they've exceeded my expectations.
I fancy them to beat a Norwich side that were second best against Wigan last week, but got away with a draw. It was a shock to see them on the back foot in that game.
I wouldn't say teams are sussing them out; they're a flowing football side, but they're a team that looks tired. They have to play to their maximum every week to win games and if they slip below their standard they could lose to anybody.
But I've watched them at Old Trafford and at Anfield they've had a go wherever they've gone. Fair play to them for that. I wonder if their eyes were opened by Ian Holloway and Blackpool last year?
So they will have a go at Newcastle; Norwich are in a position where the players will want to play some good football. They'll go and express themselves.
But Newcastle should be good enough to pick them off and I'm expecting a very entertaining game.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-2