Arsenal visit Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, and Paul Merson has made his prediction ahead of the clash.
Mikel Arteta’s team saw off Port Vale in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, while the Magpies thrashed Bradford at St James’ Park on the same night.
Meanwhile, the Gunners sit second in the Premier League, five points behind league leaders Liverpool, with Newcastle sitting in a lowly 13th.
The Merseysiders travel to South London to take on Crystal Palace on Saturday, meaning Arsenal will be aware of how crucial it is they get three points by the time their game kicks off in the north-east.
Paul Merson makes Newcastle vs Arsenal prediction
Arsenal will be without Noni Madueke for their trip to Tyneside, as the English winger is currently recovering from a knee injury sustained against Manchester City.
Martin Odegaard may still be out with a shoulder issue, while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus remain long-term absentees.
Arteta should have an almost entirely fit squad to select from aside from these absentees, yet Merson isn’t optimistic about his former team coming away with three points.
Writing for Sportskeeda, the pundit predicted a 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park.
“Newcastle always turn up against Arsenal,” Merson wrote.
“The fans at St James’ Park are always good, but they just get a bit more electric in this fixture! Arsenal have lost their last three games there, so this is a tricky game for them.
“If Liverpool are held to a draw at Crystal Palace, Arsenal wouldn’t mind walking away with a point here. But if the league leaders get another three points, this game automatically falls into the must-win category.
“When you look at Arsenal, they would have faced all of Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle after this weekend. Imagine spending big and not beating any of these three teams that finished in the top five last season? Where is the progress then?
“Arsenal have a good run of fixtures coming up after this game. But if you don’t beat Newcastle, you are basically entering that run with an eight-point lead to chase down.
“We saw how Newcastle gave Liverpool a strong fight with just 10 men at St James’ Park earlier this season. Liverpool were very fortunate to come away with a win in that game. If you’re Arsenal, you want to match what Liverpool did here, but I don’t think they can do it.”
Score Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
Newcastle have been one of the best teams in the league defensively this season
Arsenal have conceded just two goals in the Premier League this season.
Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick at Anfield and Erling Haaland’s breakaway goal at the Emirates are the only strikes that have crept past David Raya in between the sticks.
Only Crystal Palace can match this defensive record thus far, although Newcastle aren’t far off it.
The Magpies have kept four clean sheets in five league matches, with all three of the goals they’ve conceded coming in their 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in August.
On the flip side, Eddie Howe’s team have also only scored three times so far, and have produced a number of lacklustre attacking displays.
This means the clash at St. James’ Park is unlikely to be a thriller.
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