Arsenal welcome Newcastle United to The Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon with both sides desperately in need of a win. Arsene Wenger’s side come into this game without a win in their last three matches, whilst Newcastle United have failed to win any of their last seven games, losing six in the process. This run of games has seen Newcastle fall from the top six to 16th in the table. It could be a tense game on Saturday, with neither side willing to give anything away.
English Premier League – Emirates Stadium – Saturday 16th December 2017 – 15:00 UK Time
|
Draw Best Odd of: 5 at PaddyPower |
|
Arsenal
Newcastle UnitedArsenal
Arsenal have been poor recently and Wednesday’s lacklustre 0-0 draw with West Ham United followed up a similarly disappointing performance shown in the 1-1 draw with Southampton. Wenger’s side have really struggled away from home this season and a return of just two wins from nine games on the road is where Arsenal’s problems have stemmed from. Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla are the only two absentees for Arsenal and Jack Wilshere could be pushing for another start after impressing against West Ham United on Wednesday.
Newcastle United
Newcastle United come into this game on a terrible run of form which has seen them lose six of their last seven matches. They were poor again in midweek, going down to a 1-0 defeat against a resurgent Everton side. There is talk that the takeover of the club is nearing completion and Rafael Benitez and fans alike will be desperate it goes through in time to give the club funds in January. The club are in dire need of quality players all over the pitch, but especially in attack where Joselu and Dwight Gayle have looked well out of their depth. Jonjo Shelvey picked up his second red card of the season against Everton and will miss this game through suspension.
Talking Points
1. Arsenal have won nine games in a row against Newcastle United.
2. Over the last eight matches, Newcastle United have won less points than any other side in the Premier League.
3. Arsenal have taken 21 points from a possible 24 at The Emirates Stadium this season and only the top two sides have a better home record than The Gunners.
Prediction
Both of these teams come into this game on a poor run of form, but Arsenal have been excellent at home this season and I do think they will win this game. Things have got to change soon for Newcastle United, because right now they are sleepwalking straight back into the Championship. In Rafael Benitez, they have a quality manager and if he is allowed funds to strengthen this team then they should be safe, but if not, I fear the worst for the Toon Army. I believe Arsenal will win this game comfortably on Saturday, a defeat which could drag Newcastle United into the relegation zone.
Betting Tips
Arsenal start this game as big favourites at odds of 3/11, whilst an away win for Newcastle United is priced up at 12/1, with the draw available at 5. I do think Arsenal will win, but those odds aren’t doing anything for me. Newcastle have struggled in attack this season and so the 4/5 on BTTS (NO) looks like a solid bet, as does the 21/20 available on Arsenal to win and BTTS (NO). In terms of goal scorers, Alexandre Lacazette was rested in midweek and he is available at 4/6 to score at anytime, I think there’s a very good chance of that.
Arsenal to win and BTTS (NO) – 21/20