Arsenal vs Newcastle – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Gunners have lost four of their last six matches and have dropped to second in the EPL table. The Magpies have suffered three straight league losses and sit 12^th in the table.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal have lost four of their last six matches and have lost top spot in the league table. They have fallen below Man City on goals scored. Before this poor run, they had 11 wins and three draws in 14 matches. A 2-1 loss at Southampton ended their FA Cup journey. They went to Sporting Lisbon and won 1-0 in the Champions League after that.

A 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth was a huge blow in the title race. They progressed to the semi-finals of the Champions League after a 0-0 home draw vs Sporting Lisbon. Their last match saw a 2-1 loss at Man City in a potential title decider. They missed four big chances in a strong performance.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta is hoping to have Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori available in defence for this match. Bukayo Saka is set to miss out with a calf problem.

Mikel Merino remains absent after surgery but Martin Odegaard is fit. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard could be recalled in the front three.

Arsenal Motivation

The Gunners can’t drop another point. This is a must-win match.

Arsenal have to be more attacking than usual as the title race could come down to goal difference.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle have lost 11 of their last 19 matches. They’ve won four of their last seven away matches, but are struggling at home. Right now, they’re on a poor match losing streak and sit 12th in the EPL table. They 3-1 at home to Man City in the FA Cup before a 1-1 home draw vs Barcelona where they conceded a late penalty.

The Magpies went to Chelsea and won 1-0 despite being outshot 22-7. A 7-2 loss at Barcelona followed in the second leg to end their European hopes. They lost 2-1 at home to Sunderland in the last minute after allowing 2.44 xG. A 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace saw a 94th minute goal conceded. Yet another late goal leaked saw a 2-1 home loss to Bournemouth last time out.

Newcastle Team News

Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar are ruled out in defence. Joelinton misses this match due to suspension. Tino Livramento went off injured in the last match and is a doubt here.

Further forward, Anthony Gordon is nursing a groin problem and may not start the match. Bruno Guimaraes is back from injury and could start, whilst Dan Burn is also hoping for a recall.

Newcastle Motivation

The Magpies seem to have nothing to play for. Their motivation and effort has been lacking in recent weeks.

They will try to go to the Emirates and get something from the game. A defensive approach is expected, similar to how they played at Stamford Bridge.

Key Stats

• Arsenal have lost 4 of their last 6 matches (unbeaten in 14 before that)
• Arsenal have won just 4 of their last 10 matches vs Newcastle (5 defeats)
• Newcastle have lost their last 4 matches (13 goals conceded)
• Newcastle have won 4 of their last 7 away matches

Verdict

This should be a close match, but Newcastle do not appear fully focused. I see Arsenal getting the three points, but just by a one goal margin.

Best Bet: Arsenal win and Over 2.5 goals at 2.05

Goalscorer Tip: Kai Havertz to score anytime at 2.50

Alternate Bet: Arsenal win by exactly 1 goal at 3.50