Ray Parlour thinks he already knows what will happen when Arsenal face Newcastle

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Arsenal will be hoping to put a poor recent record at St James’s Park behind them as they travel to the North East in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side have lost on their last three visits to Newcastle in all competitions and have failed to score a goal in those matches.

Declan Rice scored the only goal during the last meeting in May at the Emirates Stadium and the Gunners know they cannot afford to slip up further in the race for the Premier League title.

Noni Madueke’s injury blow means that Bukayo Saka is likely to make his first league start since August, whilst skipper Martin Odegaard could also return. Ray Parlour has given his prediction for the huge clash.

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Ray Parlour thinks Arsenal will edge out Newcastle United

Speaking on the talkSPORT breakfast show with Alan Brazil, former Gunners midfielder Parlour has backed his old side to get a vital three points against Eddie Howe’s side.

Already five points behind Liverpool, Arsenal know the importance of keeping in touch with Arne Slot’s side and Parlour thinks they will edge a tight encounter at St James’s Park.

Parlour stated: “Always tough. Always tough. Always tough going to St. James’s Park. Had some cracking games up there Arsenal in years gone by. I remember the 4-4 one, wasn’t it? When they were leading and Newcastle came back.

“It’s going to be difficult. I mean, how do you call this one? Arsenal can’t afford to lose. There’s no doubt about that. But I’m going to go Arsenal to win 2-1.”

Steve Sidwell has highlighted a problem for Arteta in that the Gunners boss has too many attacking options at his disposal and does not know his preferred attacking trio yet.

However, Arsenal fans will be desperate to see Eberechi Eze in the starting XI as he could hold the key to opening up a stubborn Newcastle defence.

Mikel Arteta hoping to move ahead of Eddie Howe in head to head record

Not only is it an intriguing clash on the pitch for fans to look forward to, but Newcastle v Arsenal also pits two of the best managers in the league against each other.

Arteta and Howe both have five wins against each other in their career so far, with their sides playing out a draw on two occasions.

Arsenal will know that their first job will be to quieten a raucous home crowd before stamping their authority on the ball.

Chances may well be at a premium but Arteta will be hoping that his wealth of attacking talent can produce a moment to earn a crucial three points.