Arsenal vs Newcastle United
Following a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the top of the table clash last Sunday, the speed in which some have written off Arsenal’s Premier League title chances has mightily surprised me.
Sure, it was a result which conceded the momentum and, ultimately, the lead they have held for so long.
But the Gunners’ display was hardly the type of performance which suggested they are suffering from late season nerves or feeling the weight of pressure.
Instead, it was a close contest between the country’s top two sides which could have gone either way.
The visit of Newcastle – who have only won twice at Arsenal in the league in the past 25 years – now provides them with an opportunity to return to the summit and prove some doubters wrong.
Talking Points
What results over the last few days have confirmed is that Arsenal have no room for error after City went to the top on goal difference with a 1-0 win at Burnley on Wednesday night.
However, Arsenal have two Premier League matches scheduled before City play again in the league and, psychologically, the chance to open up a six point lead could be huge.
There is no question sections of their fanbase are showing the strain of an increasingly desperate club that hasn’t won the title for 22 years.
At the same time, the loss of Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber has come at the worst possible time, while captain Martin Odegaard’s absence has been keenly felt and he may need a few games to get up to speed.
Timber is said to be close to a return but Saturday teatime’s game could come too soon for Saka, a player who I think makes them tick.
Newcastle have a full-back issue of their own and the groin injury picked up by Tino Livramento in their loss to Bournemouth last weekend will likely rule him out of the final month of the campaign.
With a player linked to a move to North London, Anthony Gordon, expected to miss the Emirates trip due to a groin injury, and Emil Krafth (knee), Fabian Schar (ankle) and Joelinton (suspended), Newcastle’s chances of delivering some rare Premier League 2026 highlights appear slim.
Should their influential captain Bruno Guimaraes return from injury, that could change. He played his first game for months as a second half substitute against the Cherries.
After finishing fifth last season, this term has been one in which Eddie Howe’s men have struggled to juggle the schedule of domestic and European commitments.
Question marks on why they have gone backwards will have to wait until the summer.
For now, all the focus is on Arsenal as they bid to end a silverware drought, extended by defeat in last month’s League Cup Final, by winning the biggest trophy of all.
History
What a rich history these two clubs have, dating back to their first ever meeting in 1893.
Traditionally, Arsenal have the edge with 85 wins to the Toon’s 72 and a further 39 draws.
Yet, in recent years it has been one-sided as Arsenal have actually won 22 of their last 27 meetings.
Last season was very different. Newcastle won the league game in the North East when Alexander Isak scored the only goal of the contest just 12 minutes in.
And they were 4-0 winners in their two-legged League Cup semi-final on their way to lifting the trophy.
Isak and Gordon were on target in North London before Jacob Murphy and Gordon again scored the goals in the second leg.
Since then, the Gunners have beaten Newcastle twice in the league.
Declan Rice scored the only goal of the game in North London last May and then there was the drama on the Geordies’ own patch earlier this term.
That was when Nick Woltemade’s first-half opener was cancelled out by Mikel Merino in the 84th minute before Gabriel grabbed a 96th minute winner – a goal I still feel could prove crucial in the final reckoning.
Betting Tip
Put simply, Arsenal need to win, the SBOTOP Premier League 2026 betting odds back them to win and so do I.
The difference is very clear given the Gunners are priced 1X2 @ 1.45 and Asian Handicap -1.25 @ 2.07 compared to the Geordies 1X2 @ 5.60 and Asian Handicap +0.75 @ 2.38.
The draw may appeal to some and that is on offer at a very attractive @ 4.26.
If Arsenal are to complete a league double over the Tynesiders by the same scoreline, then Correct Score 2-1 @ 7.40 is the bet for you, whereas if you fancy a re-run of the corresponding game last term, then Correct Score 1-0 will pay out @ 8.00.
While both teams could well score – and among the goal bets to catch my eye is over 3.25 @ 2.26 – my *** tip is for a home success and the Gunners to return to the summit via Half Time Full Time Home Home @ 2.16.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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