Arsenal welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium later today, hoping to return to the Premier League summit after losing grip on first place in midweek.
The Gunners were bumped down to an all-too familiar position when Manchester City dispatched Burnley, but they’re still in the fight.
Mikel Arteta’s side must find a way to return to winning ways after suffering back-to-back Premier League defeats to Bournemouth and City.
They could return to the top of the table with a win against Newcastle, but are also facing the prospect of losing three consecutive Premier League games for the first time in four years.
For those looking to add an extra layer of excitement to today’s clash, this fixture also presents several intriguing betting angles.
Arsenal’s need to bounce back and Newcastle’s poor run of form could make for a compelling market, from match result to goal totals and player props.
Bettors can explore competitive odds and a range of markets, where options such as first goalscorer, correct score and in-play betting offer plenty of opportunities to engage with the game.
Match preview
Arsenal were forced to relinquish their grip on first place when City claimed a 1-0 win over Burnley, but they could reclaim that spot with a win against Newcastle later today.
With goal difference likely to play a huge role in this season’s title race, Arteta will hope his side can get back to their free-scoring best, although that’s easier said than done.
While Arsenal currently boast the second-best attack in the Premier League on paper, they have now gone six games without scoring more than a goal in a single match.
Interestingly, they’ve won just one of those six games (D1, L4), nicking a 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Nevertheless, they’ll still be favourites heading into this weekend’s contest, considering Newcastle have fallen off the wagon this season.
Languishing in the bottom half of the table, Newcastle’s form has resulted in calls for Eddie Howe to be sacked, although the club hierarchy has no plans to make changes this summer.
The Magpies are a far cry from the side that finished fifth and qualified for the Champions League last season. Once spoken about as future title contenders, Newcastle now have modest ambitions for the final five games of the season.
With any hopes of securing European football all but dead in the water, Newcastle can only hope to finish the season strongly.
However, they must first find a way to overturn their recent form after losing three consecutive Premier League games and four in a row across all competitions.
Since their humiliating Champions League exit against Barcelona, Newcastle have lost to Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth.
Sitting 14th in the table, Newcastle hold an 11-point cushion over Tottenham Hotspur in 18th, but that gap offers little comfort considering they’ve lost eight of their last 11 league games.
A positive result against Arsenal could ease the pressure, but Newcastle have won just two of their last five meetings with the Gunners (L3).
Team news
Arsenal have been handed a huge double injury boost ahead of this weekend’s must-win clash against Newcastle, with Arteta confirming that Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are fit to make the squad.
It remains to be seen whether they’ll feature, but their return to the fold should improve the mood in the dressing room as they head into the title race home stretch.
Unfortunately, Arteta still won’t be able to call on Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino.
Newcastle are also dealing with injury problems after losing Valentino Livramento to a thigh issue in the defeat to Bournemouth.
The England international will not be available to face Arsenal and may have even played his final game of the season.
The Magpies will also be without Anthony Gordon due to a groin issue, joining Emil Krafth and Fabian Schar on the sidelines.
Joelinton will sit out the trip to the Emirates Stadium due to suspension. On the bright side, Bruno Guimaraes could return to the team after shaking off his injury problems.
Arsenal potential starting line-up:
(4-3-3): David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie; Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Eberechi Eze.
Newcastle United potential starting line-up:
(4-3-3): Aaron Ramsdale; Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall; Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, Lewis Miley; Jacob Murphy, William Osula, Harvey Barnes.
