Newcastle v Arsenal- Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Newcastle host Arsenal on Monday night in the English Premier League. The Magpies have been outstanding in 2022 and had won four matches in a row at St. James’ Park before losing 1-0 to Liverpool. The Gunners suffered a 3-0 loss at Tottenham in midweek but have their top four date in their own hands, knowing that two wins in a row will secure them UEFA Champions League football for the first time since 2017.

Newcastle Form

Newcastle have completely turned their season around since Eddie Howe took over. From 22nd January until 23rd April, they strung together a run of 10 wins in 14 Premier League matches to secure their safety. That streak included six home wins in a row; however, they lost 1-0 to Liverpool in their most recent home match.

The Magpies were thrashed 5-0 at Man City in their last match, their fourth defeat in five away matches. They’re pretty reliant on their home form but all of the current top five, aside from Arsenal, have enjoyed relatively straightforward victories at St. James’ Park. Of their six home wins in a row prior to Liverpool, five came by a single goal margin with only Everton beaten by two goals.

Newcastle Team News

Eddie Howe welcomed back Callum Wilson and Kieran Trippier from long injuries in the Man City defeat. Both were substitutes that day but could be given starts in this one after a full week of training. Fabian Schar is back in defence but Jamal Lewis, Ryan Fraser and Isaac Hayden are all still absent.

The midfield options are reduced by recent problems for Joe Willock and Jonjo Shelvey which have ended their seasons. Federico Fernandez has an Achilles problem and is set to be missing at the back. The midfield could have Joelinton in it as well as Bruno Guimaraes and Sean Longstaff.

Newcastle Motivation

The Toon have been safe for a while and yet still playing with focus and high motivation. The City game looked a bit flat though. In front of their own supporters, a big effort is expected and they will play to win this one with no reason to settle for a point.

Howe could also move to a back five to try to get a result after a thrashing in their last match.

Liverpool Form

Arsenal will hold a one point lead in the top four race if they win this match – therefore just needing victory on the final day to qualify for the Champions League. After losing four matches in a run of five, they hit back with four successive victories. A 4-2 win at Chelsea and 3-1 home win against Man Utd were huge results albeit with somewhat fortunate penalties scored in both.

A 2-1 win against West Ham followed after two goals from dead-ball situations before beating ten-man Leeds 2-1. They dominated that with 2.60 xG to just 0.4 xG but couldn’t finish their second half chances. Their last match saw a 3-0 loss away at Tottenham. Arsenal played 57 minutes with ten men and the game felt over after 40 minutes.

Liverpool Team News

Mikel Arteta has plenty of defensive issues to deal with. Kieran Tierney is missing at left back, Rob Holding is suspended and Gabriel went off injured against Spurs. Ben White is expected to be risked and Takehiro Tomiyasu may need to partner him centrally with Nuno Tavares coming into the XI.

Thomas Partey is still injured in midfield. Mohamed Elneny will replace him alongside Granit Xhaka. Alexandre Lacazette is hoping for a recall if Eddie Nketiah is given a breather. Emile Smith Rowe is another option to freshen up the attack.

Liverpool Motivation

Arsenal have to win this match. A draw would leave them a point behind Spurs going into the final match of the season. They won’t be too open with Mikel Arteta’s structured approach and with their defensive woes.

They can’t draw this one and will have to take major risks to try to win it in the second half if the scores are level or they’re trailing.

Key Stats

Newcastle have won 6 of their last 7 home PL matches

Newcastle have lost 5 of their last 9 PL matches

Newcastle have lost their last 8 matches against Arsenal (all 

competitions)

Arsenal have won 4 of their last 5 PL matches

Arsenal have lost 3 of their last 5 away PL matches

Arsenal have leaked 10 goals in their last 5 PL away matches

Verdict

The Gunners are desperate for a win in this one but their defensive injuries are a real concern. Newcastle will want to give their fans a good send-off and are capable of avoiding defeat and really harming Arsenal’s top four ambitions. The Gunners may just have enough to get the job done though.