Arsenal v Newcastle Betting Tips: Gunners to make top-four claim?
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Preview and odds for Premier League clash
There’s plenty of Premier League football to enjoy this week, starting tonight with Arsenal at home to Newcastle United.
The Gunners saw Tottenham Hotspur slip up at Anfield yesterday, opening the door for Unai Emery’s men to the top-four party. A win would move Arsenal into third with seven games to go.
And equally, Cardiff’s loss to Chelsea has eased relegation worries for Newcastle and Rafa Benitez.
It kicks off at 8.00, live on Sky Sports Premier League. Before that though, here’s everything you need to know…
Head-to-head
This game has been a happy one for the Gunners. They’ve won 11 of the last 12 meetings, with the only blot in the run last season’s 2-1 loss on Tyneside.
Newcastle have lost their last six trips to North London, conceding 18 goals.
Emery’s side have been strong at home this season. They’ve won 13 of their 16 home games, with only Manchester City having a better home record. Arsenal have won their last six on home soil in all competitions, scoring 17 goals in the process.
Newcastle have only lost one of their last six league games, but they’ve struggled away from home. The Magpies have failed to win their last seven on the road.
Likely XIs
Emery is without the suspended Lucas Torreira tonight, but Aaron Ramsey’s return should fill that void. Granit Xhaka faces a late fitness test, and Matteo Guenzoui may need to slot in his place.
Mesut Ozil could start for the fourth game in a row. The German will be tasked with creating chances for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
For the Magpies, Benitez will be hoping Salomon Rondon is in the mood. Matt Ritchie has pinged in the most crosses this season, and will be out to supply the Venezuelan striker.
Key battles
Arsenal are likely to dominate possession here, leaving Newcastle to pounce on the counter, or utilise the aerial threat of Rondon.
The hosts will either go with Ozil to supply Aubemayang and Lacazette, or Emery could use Iwobi and Mkhitaryan to press on the wings.
But the Gunners will need to be careful at the back. Rondon can be unplayable at times, and will revel in a physical scrap with the Arsenal defence.
Match odds
Emery’s hosts are 2/5 favourites for a big three points. There’s 15/2 about the Geordies, with 19/5 for a draw.
Aubameyang is two goals behind Sergio Aguero in the golden boot race. The Gabon striker is 11/4 favourite to net first, with Lacazette next up at 7/2.
Rondon leads the charge for Newcastle at 13/2 to score first, ahead of Ayoze Perez at 9s.
Ozil scored the only goal in this game last season, and the German is 7/1 to bag the opener tonight.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
