Arsenal host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, and predictions have been made ahead of the clash.
The Gunners have missed out on the league title, but can secure Champions League qualification for next season with a victory over the Magpies.
Arsenal held Liverpool to a draw at Anfield last time out, and Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a similarly spirited effort from his team against Eddie Howe’s side.
Newcastle won the reverse fixture 1-0 at St. James’ Park back in November, with the North Londoners undoubtedly out for revenge against a team that has beaten them three times already this season.
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Paul Merson makes Arsenal v Newcastle prediction
Arsenal might have Kai Havertz back for this game, although the German is unlikely to start, having been out for over three months.
However, Arteta should field his strongest possible eleven, and as a result of this, Paul Merson is confident that the Gunners will secure all three points.
Writing for Sportskeeda, the pundit said: “Newcastle will be in trouble here. I don’t see anything but an Arsenal win. Looking back at last week, Arsenal were 2-0 down and still got a result against Liverpool at Anfield.
“Considering the disappointment in the Champions League, Arsenal will want to ensure they don’t give up on second-place in the table.
“The only advantage Newcastle have is their goal difference compared to the others and they be hoping not to hurt that too much against Arsenal.”
Score Prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle United
Chris Sutton has predicted the outcome of Arsenal vs Newcastle
The game on Sunday could be Thomas Partey’s last at the Emirates, while several other players could also be set to enjoy their final outing in N5 as Arsenal players.
They’ll be eager to have a positive send-off, which could motivate the Gunners players even more.
Despite that, unlike Merson, Chris Sutton expects Arsenal to struggle to get all three points on their home turf.
Writing for BBC Sport, he said: “This is a big game with second place up for grabs, and it is a bit of a grudge match too.
“Newcastle have beaten Arsenal three times already this season and their meetings have been quite spiky since the Magpies grabbed a controversial win over Mikel Arteta’s side in 2023.
“Arsenal will be absolutely desperate to put one over them this time, but I can see this turning into a real battle, and I would not be surprised if it ends up in a draw.
“That is a better result for the Gunners, because a point would all but guarantee them a Champions League place – their goal difference is much better than the other teams in that race – even if their fans will want more.”
Score Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle United
Newcastle are still at risk of not qualifying for next season’s Champions League, although a win over Everton on the final day puts them in a good position regardless of the outcome on Sunday.
The Magpies’ recent record against Arsenal will no doubt be used as a motivation tactic by Arteta in the Gunners’ dressing room before the match.
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