Prediction: Newcastle vs Arsenal

Verdict: Newcastle double chance

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Unibet

In what looks like it could be a season-deciding showdown on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal will make the trip to St. James’ Park when they meet a high-flying Newcastle.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have simply been in a battle to maintain their Premier League status last season, the Magpies have only continued on a remarkable rise since welcoming Eddie Howe to St. James’ Park. In the midst of what has been a history-making campaign in the north east, the former Bournemouth boss now finds his side sat in pole position to claim a famous Champions League ticket. Appearing to cruise their way to a top-four finish and with the mood in Howe’s camp at a red-hot high, Newcastle have only continued to shine on either side of March’s international break. Now winning eight of their last nine Premier League appearances, Sunday’s hosts have also found a real clinical edge in the final third. Last seen mounting a comeback on home soil as they secured a 3-1 victory against Southampton, the Magpies have now notched a stunning 13 strikes on their three-match winning run.

Team News

Once again missing out with a thigh injury last weekend and not making a Premier League appearance since April 5th, Allan Saint-Maximim is not expected to feature here. Likewise, Newcastle will also be without long-term absentee Emil Krafth here.

Coming off the bench and bagging a brace against Southampton, the red-hot Callum Wilson looks set to be handed a full recall on Sunday afternoon. The England international could come in and replace January arrival Anthony Gordon.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, managing to make what was a crucial return to winning ways earlier in the week, Arsenal will know that they face a season-defining trip to St. James’ Park here. Eventually breezing their way to a 3-1 romp against London rivals Chelsea, Mikel Arteta’s side drew a line under their four-match Premier League winless run. However, now facing what is a real uphill battle in their bid to dethrone Manchester City, the Gunners have shown some extended defensive issues over recent times. Crashing out of the Europa League last month at the hands of Sporting Lisbon, Arsenal have now failed to record a single clean sheet in any of their last eight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems back to March 12th. Opening this weekend’s trip to the north east sat one point adrift of reclaiming their spot at the top of the Premier League table, Arteta’s side will have plenty of pressure on their young shoulders here.

Team News

Still dealing with a back injury and not making a single appearance since back on March 16th, Arteta will once again be unable to call upon William Saliba here. Likewise, neither Mohamed Elneny or Takehiro Tomiyasu will feature for the remainder of the season.

Bagging a brace against Chelsea earlier in the week and now scoring four goals in as many Premier League appearances, Martin Odegaard will certainly have a key role to play at St. James’ Park. Jakub Kiwior will be hoping to keep his place at the heart of Arteta’s defence here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides met for their reverse Premier League meeting on January 3rd, Newcastle and Arsenal played out a 0-0 stalemate in north London.
• Picking up a 3-1 victory against Chelsea in midweek, that was the first Premier League win that Arsenal have collected from their last five attempts.
• Likewise, the Gunners have managed to record just a single win from any of their previous five away fixtures across all competitions.
• Newcastle have won eight of their last nine Premier League appearances – a run that stems back to March 4th.
• The Magpies have notched 13 strikes on their three-match Premier League winning run.

Conclusion

While Arsenal might face a must-win trip to St. James’ Park this weekend, Newcastle will certainly be looking to lay down yet another top-four marker. Watching the Gunners win just one of their last five away fixtures across all competitions, Newcastle have only continued on what has been a remarkable Champions League charge. Really finding a clinical edge in the final third and winning eight of their last nine Premier League outings, the Gunners will face a heavyweight challenge on Sunday afternoon. Failing to win any of their last two top-flight showdowns against Newcastle, we are backing a home double chance here.

Verdict: Newcastle double chance

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: Unibet