Paul Merson believes Newcastle will grab a narrow win over Brentford this weekend, but will face relegation square in the face if they don't pick up seven points from their next three home games.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, the former Arsenal talisman said this weekend's clash against the Bees was "a massive game" for the Premier League with both sides in the midst of a relegation battle.
It's the first eagerly anticipated game of Eddie Howe's reign on Tyneside after the international break.
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The Magpies are without a win in all competitions with almost a third of the Premier League campaign played.
Newcastle can ill afford another weekend without a victory, but the atmosphere at St. James' Park should be electric as Howe takes charge of his first game.
The Toon can close the gap on the teams above them and edge closer to safety, with the visitors on a four game losing streak.
Howe's side are five points adrift of safety and seven points behind Thomas Frank's side.
“This is a massive game of football in the Premier League,” said Merson. “ Newcastle United finally have a new manager in Eddie Howe and they have three winnable games at home coming up.
“If they don’t get at least seven points in this period, they’ll get relegated. They have a terrible run of games after that, so they’ll have to make the most of this one.
“I fancy them to get a narrow victory at home against Brentford.”
