Arsenal – Newcastle : Preview & Prediction
Despite finishing the final day of the Premier League (PL) just outside the top half, Arsenal, which drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace on Thursday, have failed to score in as many PL games this season (seven) as it did throughout the 2019/20 campaign. Even so, the Gunners have now kept their goal unbeaten four times in a row for the first time since October 2016.
The defensive effort against Palace represented the first time that Arsenal left their goal unbeaten at home in the 2020-21 season, but the ‘Gunners’ left Newcastle United out after 120 minutes during their FA Cup victory at this venue at early this month. More of the same is certainly possible, as Arsenal have won the last nine official matches they have played against this rival in this venue. He did not concede goals in the last five.
Newcastle suffered a disappointing 1-0 midweek defeat to PL bottom Sheffield United, extending their winless streak to eight official matches (E2, P6). Entering this match just a few places above the relegation zone, Newcastle must improve their record of just two goals in their last five PL games if they are not to complicate further with relegation.
Newcastle’s away games at PL have seen action in the final minutes. A majority of 73.33% (11) of the 15 goals in the second half in these matches have occurred after the 70th minute and, furthermore, the ‘Urracas’ have not yet led the break away from home so far this season of the PL (MT: E5, P3).
Players to watch: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has scored for Arsenal in each of the last three official games he has played against Newcastle – he has scored each of those goals from min. 50 and up. Meanwhile, Jeff Hendrick, who scored the first goal in Newcastle’s last away game in PL, has recorded four of his last seven PL goals against London clubs.
Highlight: Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has lost more games to Arsenal than to any other club he has faced as a manager (W2, E6, P22).
Arsenal – Newcastle : Betting Tips
Arsenal – Win Odds: 1.55
Both teams to score / YES – Odds: 1.70
Over 2.5 Goals – Odds: 1.70
