Newcastle United head to the North London to face Arsenal in a Premier League battle between second and third, with both teams keen to fortify their chances of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Gunners will seal a UCL spot with a win over the third-placed Magpies, who have beaten their opponents three times already this season without conceding and know a win will leave them needing just a point to guarantee qualification to the Champions League next season.
Match Odds
Prediction
In addition to Newcastle’s dominance over Arsenal this season, Mikel Arteta’s men have failed to win in their last three league matches and have just one win in the last five, compared to the Eddie Howe’s men who have won three games over the same period
That said, Newcastle have lost two of their last three trips to the Emirates Stadium in the league, which is why we have our money on a draw.
Form
Arsenal’s last five Premier League games – D W D L D
Newcastle’s last five Premier League games – W L W D W
Team News
Kai Havertz returns in a major boost for Arsenal, having been on the sidelines for the past three months recovering from a hamstring injury. Declan Rice is also back to fitness after missing last week’s draw at Liverpool with a hip problem.
Arsenal will be without Mikel Merino after he was sent off at Anfield, while Leandro Trossard is a doubt as he deals with a slight hamstring issue.
Former Arsenal midfielder, Joe Willock, is a doubt along with veteran full-back, Kieran Trippier. Sven Botman is likely to sit the game out, after going off at half-time against Chelsea last time out with a knee problem.