Prediction and odds for the game: Newcastle (16/5) vs Arsenal (17/20)
We are backing the draw at odds of 13/5
When: Monday 16 May 2022, Kick-off 20:00
Where: St. James’ Park
On Monday night, Newcastle hosts Arsenal at St. James Park, in a vital game for the visitor’s chances of landing a top-four finish and a Champions League spot for next season.
Newcastle
The Magpies form has stalled of late, as Eddie Howe’s team has now suffered back-to-back Premier League defeats against the league’s top-two Liverpool and Manchester City. The 5-0 drubbing at reigning champions Manchester City was a particularly jarring experience for the north east outfit.
The games were tough on the team from the north east, but they have already achieved their aim for the campaign in surviving the drop to the Championship.
The defeats against the top two came on the back of a four-game winning run in the English top-flight, though. Howe’s team may fancy their chances in the last league game of the season on home soil.
The 1-0 reverse against Liverpool in their last home match ended a six-game winning run in the league on home soil for the Magpies.
Arsenal
The Gunners’ bid for a top-four finish is starting to look shaky, as Mikel Arteta’s team are now just a point clear of fifth-place arch-rivals Tottenham with just two league matches remaining.
A 3-0 defeat at their local rivals last time out has made things slightly nervous for Arsenal. However, fourth spot is still very much the Gunners to lose, as if Arteta’s team wins both of their remaining league games, they will be playing in the Champions League next season.
The defeat against Spurs ended a four-game winning run for Arsenal in the English top-flight. The loss also ended a prolific run of form in front of goal for the visitors, as they had scored at least two goals in all four straight league victories.
Arsenal has an inconsistent recent away record in the Premier League, as the Gunners have won two and lost three of their last ten league matches on their travels. However, Arteta’s has also won seven of their last away games in the Premier League.
Their recent away games in the Premier League have offered good entertainment, as there have been over 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five matches.
Conclusion
This could be a difficult game for Arsenal, especially as they are likely to be without several key players. We believe that this could be a cagey encounter, which may well finish all square, which wouldn’t help the visitor’s hopes of playing Champions League football next season. With that in mind, we are also backing under 2.5 goals scored.
Our Tips: We are backing the draw at odds of 13/5 and/or under 2.5 goals scored at evens. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Can Arsenal pick up a vital win or will Newcastle dent the Gunners top-four hopes?
