Home of football statistics and historyArsenal will be looking to keep themselves in the title race with a crucial win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon. Here is our match preview with betting odds, team news and predicted score…
Betting odds
This is a huge game for both clubs at the top of the table so there is certainly going to be a lot of interest in the betting markets. Bettors should make sure they get the best online casino cashback offers and bonuses before placing any wagers, as Bookmakers will be vying for business.
Newcastle are currently priced as the narrow 7/5 favourites to win the game. Arsenal are 13/8 to take home three valuable points while the draw is available at 13/5.
The reverse fixture was a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium but we don’t see a repeat here. Newcastle and Arsenal have both been in free-scoring form in recent weeks so over 3.5 match goals at odds of 31/20 looks tempting. Both teams to score at 1/2 is also a decent bet, but if we combine that with over 3.5 goals in a double the odds increase to 2.51.
Form
The Gunners led the way at the top of the Premier League for most of the season but they’ve seen their advantage evaporate in recent weeks. A poor run of form saw them take just three points from four games against Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton and Manchester City. This handed the initiative to City and they’ve taken full advantage.
Arsenal got back to winning ways with an impressive 3-1 win over Chelsea on Tuesday night to temporarily regain top spot. However, Man City responded with a comfortable victory over West Ham on Wednesday night to move one point clear at the summit with a game in hand, so the destiny of the title is firmly in their hands.
All Arsenal can do is win their games and hope City slip up. The Citizens could be four points clear by the time the Gunners kick off on Sunday if they beat Leeds the previous day, so the pressure will be on Mikel Arteta’s side to get a result at St James’ Park.
However, that won’t be an easy task as the Magpies are enjoying a tremendous campaign and are fighting to qualify for the Champions League. They currently sit third in the table – seven points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool with a game in hand – so a win on Sunday would put them within touching distance of securing a top four place.
Team news
Arsenal are expected to once again be without the services of William Saliba as he continues to struggle with a back injury that’s kept him out in recent weeks. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also still on the sidelines with a knee injury while Mohamed Elneny is out for the season.
Gabriel Magalhaes will need to be assessed after limping off during the win over Chelsea. Rob Holding is on standby to be recalled if the Brazilian is ruled out.
Newcastle will be without Jamaal Lascelles due to a calf injury while Emil Krafth is also on the sidelines with a knee problem. Allan Saint-Maximin will be handed a late fitness test on a thigh injury while Sean Longstaff is also a doubt with an ankle problem.
Prediction
Arsenal desperately need a win to boost their title hopes but they know first-hand how difficult it is to travel to St James’ Park having lost there last season – which ended their hopes of finishing fourth. The Gunners have been poor defensively lately without William Saliba so Newcastle will look to take advantage of that weakness.
A draw wouldn’t be a terrible result for Newcastle as they look to wrap-up a top four place, and we can see them getting at least a point at home. We predict an entertaining 2-2 draw – which can be backed at odds of 10/1.
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