Newcastle United vs Arsenal - Premier League Preview and Odds

Published on: 15/04/2018

Newcastle United vs Arsenal - Premier League Preview and Odds

April 15th 2018 13:30 St. James Park

Champions League

In-form Newcastle will look to break the 40-point barrier today that would almost certainly secure their top-flight status for another year. They host an Arsenal side who may be feeling a little jaded after a midweek jaunt to Russia.

The Magpies will step out on to their home soil having won their last three matches in a row. The last time they matched that run was way back in 2014. As a result, they have risen to 10th place in the table, 10 points clear of the drop zone. It is a credit to Rafa Benitez that his side could secure safety with plenty of room to spare, as many predicted they would go down this season.

The Geordies will have their work cut out as they seek to end an abysmal record against the Gunners having lost the last 10 encounters. Having said that, they will be full of confidence having gone unbeaten in their last six home matches - a run that included a win over Manchester United.

Rafael Benitez has a full strength squad to choose from and may send his team out with a little more intention than in some of their other games against the top six.

Wenger`s men have won their last three league matches but they faced a long trip to Russia for their Europa League quarter-final against CSKA Moscow in midweek and won`t relish the journey to the northeast. Away from home, they have lost their last four Premier League matches and are winless in five.

Now out of the race for the top four, the North London side may be putting all their eggs in the European basket raising the possibility that key players could be rested here. Jack Wilshere is almost certain to miss out after picking up a knock on Thursday, while Granit Xhaka remains a doubt. David Ospina, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Santi Cazorla are all out.

Recent Form (League)

Newcastle: DLWWW

Arsenal: LLWWW

Betting odds and tips

Newcastle have grown in strength in recent weeks and could pull off a shock here against an under-strength Arsenal.

A Home win with less than 2.5 goals looks like the best bet.

By Neil Morris