Prediction: Newcastle vs Arsenal

Verdict: double chance at Newcastle

Best Rating: 8/15

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In what could be a season-clinching showdown on Sunday afternoon, Arsenal will make the trip to St. James' Park when they meet top-flight Newcastle.

Newcastle

Starting with the hosts, while Newcastle might have just been fighting to retain their Premier League status last season, the Magpies have only continued their remarkable rise since welcoming Eddie Howe to St. James' Park. Amid what has been a historic campaign in the North East, the former Bournemouth boss now finds his side sitting in pole position to claim a famous Champions League ticket. Appearing to be edging their way into the top four and with the mood in Howe's camp at an all-time high, Newcastle only continued to shine on either side of the March international break. Now winning eight of their last nine Premier League appearances, Sunday's hosts also found a real clinical advantage in the final third. Last seen making a home comeback as they cruised to a 3-1 win over Southampton, the Magpies have now scored a stunning 13 goals in their three-game winning run.

Team News

Again absent with a thigh injury last weekend and having not made a Premier League appearance since April 5, Allan Saint-Maximim is unlikely to feature here. Likewise, Newcastle will also be without long-term absentee Emil Krafth here.

Coming off the bench and scoring a brace against Southampton, the fearsome Callum Wilson looks set to receive a full recall on Sunday afternoon. The English international could replace Anthony Gordon, who arrived in January.

Arsenal

As for the visitors, managing to make what was a crucial comeback to victory earlier in the week, Arsenal will know they face a season-defining trip to St. James' Park here. Eventually, edging their way to a 3-1 tie against London rivals Chelsea, Mikel Arteta's side drew a line under their four-game Premier League winless streak. However, facing a real uphill battle in their bid to dethrone Manchester City, the Gunners have shown prolonged defensive issues of late. Knocked out of the Europa League last month at the hands of Sporting Lisbon, Arsenal have failed to register a single clean sheet in any of their last eight appearances in all competitions - a run that dates back to March 12. Opening this weekend's trip to the North East one point away from reclaiming their place at the top of the Premier League table, Arteta's side will have a lot of pressure on their young shoulders here.

Team News

Still struggling with a back injury and not making an appearance since March 16, Arteta will again be unable to call on William Saliba here. Likewise, neither Mohamed Elneny nor Takehiro Tomiyasu will feature for the rest of the season.

With a brace against Chelsea earlier in the week and now scoring four goals in as many Premier League appearances, Martin Odegaard will certainly have a key role to play at St. James' Park. Jakub Kiwior hopes to keep his place at the heart of Arteta's defense here.

Key Factors to Consider When the two sides met for their reverse Premier League fixture on January 3, Newcastle and Arsenal played out a 0-0 stalemate in north London. Picking up a 3-1 win over Chelsea in midweek was the first Premier League victory Arsenal have secured in their last five attempts. Likewise, the Gunners have managed to register just one win from any of their last five away matches in all competitions. Newcastle have won eight of their last nine Premier League appearances – a run dating back to March 4. The Magpies have scored 13 goals in their three-game Premier League winning streak.

Conclusion

While Arsenal could face an unmissable trip to St. James' Park this weekend, Newcastle will certainly be looking to establish another top four. Watching the Gunners win just one of their last five away matches in all competitions, Newcastle have only continued what has been a remarkable charge in the Champions League. Truly finding a clinical advantage in the final third and winning eight of their last nine Premier League outings, the Gunners will face a heavyweight challenge on Sunday afternoon. Failing to win either of their last two top-flight showdowns against Newcastle, we're backing a double chance at home here.

Verdict: double chance at Newcastle

Best Rating: 8/15

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