Arsenal vs Newcastle United

Emirates Stadium sets the stage for a heavily anticipated Premier League top-three six-pointer between Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Arsenal’s third consecutive runner-up finish in the Premier League looked like a foregone conclusion until not long ago, yet they’re at risk of slipping to third after only winning once in their last six league outings (D4, L1). Defeat here would see third-place Newcastle leapfrog them in the table, but the Gunners have only lost one of their 20 previous home H2Hs in the Premier League (W17, D2), including 11 wins in the last 12. However, Mikel Arteta’s men have already lost three meetings with the Magpies this season across league and cup action and could lose four times to a specific opposition for the first time in club history. That’s an unlikely prospect, considering the London giants have suffered defeat in their final home league game just once in the past 27 seasons (W22, D4). 

On the other hand, Newcastle United should make this journey to the capital in high spirits as only Aston Villa (24) took more points than the Magpies’ 22 in the last ten Premier League matchdays. The visitors’ quest to secure a second Champions League qualification in three years received a crucial boost a week ago, courtesy of a 2-0 win over fellow top-five rivals Chelsea, setting them up nicely for another clash against London opposition. However, Eddie Howe’s charges must rekindle their away form to consolidate their lofty ambitions after winning just two of their last six away league fixtures (D1, L3). Against this backdrop, they’ve gone unbeaten in their final away league match of the campaign in the past six seasons (W4, D2).