Arsenal have led the Premier League table for a long time this season, but they will be the chasers when they face Newcastle United.
The Gunners dropped to second after Manchester City won their game against Burnley midweek. The two title rivals are level on points and goal difference, but Pep Guardiola’s side have the advantage because they’ve scored three more goals.
So, the last five Premier League games will likely be a straight shootout, and Arsenal begin that run with a home game against struggling Newcastle United.
Paul Merson has backed his old club to get the job done.
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Paul Merson predicts Arsenal vs Newcastle United result
Games between Arsenal and Newcastle United in recent seasons have been fierce.
It is always a big physical battle in the middle of the park, and that style has caused a few problems to Mikel Arteta’s side in recent seasons.
However, Arsenal have beaten Newcastle in each of their last two meetings, including the reverse fixture at St James’ Park earlier this season.
Now, the Gunners’ boss needs to do that again, and Merson thinks the North Londoners will get the win and return to the top of the Premier League table.
He wrote on Sportskeeda: “This is a humongous football match. Newcastle have lost to Barcelona, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth, four losses on the trot. You’d think Arsenal should win this, but Newcastle often do well in this fixture!
“If Arsenal don’t win this game, it’s all over in the title race. They are literally in last chance saloon now. City are above Arsenal only because they’ve scored more goals.
“So there is still a possibility of Arsenal winning every game and still losing the title due to City scoring more than them!”
“This has always been an entertaining fixture in the last few seasons. Even though I’m backing Arsenal to win, I don’t think the result is a foregone conclusion here.”
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Arsenal need to take advantage of Newcastle United’s problems
Newcastle are no longer the high-flying team that they were when Alexander Isak was in their side.
The Magpies have had a really poor season and are currently 14th in the Premier League table. Their form has been terrible, and there are even calls for Eddie Howe to be sacked.
That is not ideal at all ahead of a big away game, which is why Arsenal should take full advantage of Newcastle’s situation and produce a statement performance.
Beating the Toon convincingly won’t just be good revenge for the pain they have caused in previous seasons, but it would also put Arsenal in a commanding position in the title race.
That is why Arteta should go all out on Saturday.
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