Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have made their predictions for Arsenal’s difficult matchup with Newcastle United. The Gunners easily defeated Sheffield United their previous game to resume their winning ways in the Premier League, but this weekend’s challenge will be even more difficult.
Arsenal travels to the North-East to play Newcastle United in an attempt to close the gap on the top five, which they are now five points behind, even though they are two points behind leaders Tottenham and level on points with Manchester City.
The Magpies, who on Wednesday night destroyed Manchester United 3-0 away from home, will be looking to surprise yet another one of the established big boys at St James’ Park on Saturday. The legendary Gunners player Merson offered his prediction before of the match, telling SportsKeeda: “It may work out well for Arsenal because they can now concentrate more on their Premier League title challenge after losing in the Carabao Cup.
“Away win at St. James’ Park would be a huge statement for Arsenal, and if they win, I think the race for the league title becomes a heads-or-tails match between the Gunners and Manchester City.” Despite their injuries, Newcastle is a strong team at home and seldom loses in front of their own supporters. I’m going with a 1-1 draw here since the West Ham result won’t harm Arsenal in the long run but might be a bit of a knockout blow.Against West Ham, Kai Havertz started in midfield with Jorginho and Fabio Vieira, and I felt bad for him since that’s not his position and he doesn’t truly play a set part in the squad.” Merson picked a 1-1 draw, but Sutton, who is backing Arsenal for a 2-0 victory away, is more upbeat about their chances: “The entire club will be encouraged by Wednesday’s EFL Cup victory over Manchester United by Newcastle’s third team. The fact that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta held off on substituting Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard until his team was trailing 3-0 against West Ham in the same competition struck me as incredibly strange.”Did he truly think they would win the game? Play them from the beginning or substitute them in when they trail 1-0. On Saturday, both teams will be playing at full strength, and I anticipate a very competitive game. I just have a nagging suspicion that Arsenal will win even if there won’t be many goals.”
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