Merson makes huge Benitez prediction ahead of Newcastle PL return
By Derek Smithson
Paul Merson has picked out Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez as the first manager that could be sacked in the upcoming Premier League season.
The 57-year-old is currently preparing his squad ahead of their return to the top flight after helping them win the Championship title.
The Spaniard is a very experienced manager and has been in charge at the likes of Real Madrid, Inter Milan Chelsea and Liverpool in the past.
Sky Sports pundit Merson was asked who he thinks could be the first Premier League manager to leave in the new campaign and he named Benitez as his choice.
“I don’t like to see anyone getting the sack but I always worry about the teams coming up,” Merson told talkSPORT. “I’m going to go with Benitez. He’s a great manager, I just think that [Newcastle] haven’t bought anybody yet.”
Merson insists that they are yet to make any real statements in the transfer market and that could be an issue going forward.
The North East club have purchased three new players so far in the summer window, with Christian Atsu, Florian Lejeuene and Jacob Murphy moving to St James’ Park.
Merson was also fearful of promoted sides Brighton and Huddersfield, meaning Chris Hughton and David Wagner could be under immense pressure.
Bookmakers Sky Bet have in fact named Newcastle boss Benitez (3/1) as the most likely Premier League manager to be sacked first, with West Ham’s Slaven Bilic (5/1), Stoke’s Mark Hughes (6/1) and Watford’s Marco Silva (7/1) also among the favourites.
In other Newcastle news, Georginio Wijnaldum has discussed returning to St James’ Park to play in the upcoming season.
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