Two old foes meet at the Emirates on Saturday afternoon as Rafa Benitez takes his Newcastle side to Arsenal in desperate search of a win. Arsene Wenger’s men have picked up 1 point from their last 2 games to fall off the pace in the Premier League title race and for the time being, their priority looks to be securing European football next season.
English Premier League – Emirates Stadium – Saturday 16th December 2017 – 15:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 5 at William Hill |
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Arsenal
Newcastle UnitedArsenal
Arsene Wenger’s men have endured a difficult week domestically. A chastening 3-1 home defeat to Manchester United was followed by a laboured 1-1 draw at Southampton that has seen the Gunners fall 17 points behind Manchester City. With Europa League commitments on the back burner until February, Arsenal can now concentrate on improving on their current 5th place standing. Alexandre Lacazette has bagged 8 goals for Arsenal this season and has impressed in his debut Premier League campaign.
Newcastle United
The Toon have slipped into the relegation picture in recent weeks and currently sit only 2 points from safety. They have only managed 1 point from their last 7 games and Rafa Benitez will be starting to feel the pressure at St James’s Park. Dwight Gayle has scored 2 goals in his last 2 games and looks to have played his way into the Newcastle first team currently.
Head to Head
Arsenal have the superior head to head record between the sides, leading with 74 wins to Newcastle’s 66 with another 38 games between the sides ending as draws. With Newcastle languishing in the Championship last season, their last meeting came in January 2016 – a game that Arsenal won 1-0 thanks to Laurent Koscielny.
Odds and Predictions
Arsenal have struggled in recent weeks but could field an attacking team here in an attempt to break Newcastle down.
Arsenal to score 2+ goals is a sure bet at 4/11 with Coral.
Alexandre Lacazette has been a real positive in an inconsistent term for the reds.
Alexandre Lacazette to score anytime is a solid bet at 3/4 with Ladbrokes.
Newcastle managed to score at Chelsea and Manchester United and look to possess a goal threat in recent weeks.
Both teams to score – YES – represents good value at 11/10 with Bet 365.
Arsenal have to keep winning these games if they are to sustain any sort of title threat.
Arsenal to win the game is the banker bet at 2/7 with Skybet.
Score Prediction
Arsenal 3 – 1 Newcastle United – 11/1 with Bet 365.
Top Betting Tip
Newcastle will see this game as a relative free hit but Arsenal have a point to prove and should do it here. Arsenal to win the game and both teams to score looks a strong bet at 2/1 with Betfred.