Arsenal welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium to round off this weekend’s Premier League action with a dose of Monday Night Football.
After Tottenham’s defeat at Liverpool, Arsenal could move third with victory although those around them have games in hand.
Newcastle meanwhile have little to play for but seventh isn’t entirely out of question if they can hook together an unbeaten run-in and others falter from here on in.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesArsenal will hand Granit Xhaka and Nacho Monreal late fitness tests ahead of this match as they battle respective thigh and calf injuries.
Lucas Torreira is suspended for the Gunners’ next two matches but should return for the Gunners’ trip to Watford in a fortnight’s time.
Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding (both knee) and Danny Welbeck (ankle) remain ruled out for the foreseeable future.
Newcastle have just one new injury concern as Fabian Schar looks doubtful after suffering concussion whilst on international duty with Switzerland.
Jamaal Lascelles meanwhile is available after recovering from a knee injury. as Sean Longstaff is ruled out until next season with a similar issue.
Form
Arsenal come into this match unbeaten in their last five league games with four wins and a draw.
At home, the Gunners are on a nine match winning run since being held to a draw by Wolves in mid November, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netting eight goals during this run.
Newcastle have lost just one of their last six with that defeat coming in London at West Ham, which is one of three away defeats in their last five with the other two losses coming also in the Capital against Tottenham and Chelsea.
Stat Attack
- Arsenal have lost just one of their last 14 games against Newcastle of which they won all six home clashes during that run (W11, D2, L1)
- Last two meetings at the Emirates were won 1-0 by Arsenal.
- Newcastle have scored just once in their last three trips to the Emirates compared to four occasions in previous three beforehand.
- Salomon Rondon has made five assists for Newcastle already this season, just as many as he has produced for West Brom in last two seasons.
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored 16 of his 17 league goals with his right foot this season compared to seven of his ten last season.
Prediction
If Arsenal can turn up and produce another fighting home performance like they did against Rennes and Manchester United before the break, Newcastle have a tough fight on their hands to get even a draw.
Defence therefore will be important for the Magpies and if Schar isn’t available, I can’t see them doing much unless they expose the flanks effectively.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle United
Jake predicts: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle United
Result: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle United
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