Newcastle lost their second straight game with a convincing 3-0 loss at the hands of Everton. Next up, Newcastle have to try and get back on track in a home encounter against Arsenal.
This will be an incredibly tough test for Newcastle, a team currently beset by injuries. For this fixture, Chieck Tioté, Steven Taylor, and Fabricio Coloccini are just three of many players who will be unavailable to caretaker manager John Carver. Another key absence is Papiss Cissé, who will miss seven games with a suspension.
Arsenal are just one point behind Manchester City in the Premier League table after beating West Ham 3-0 last weekend. Having leapfrogged Man Utd, Arsenal now have a clear opportunity to finish second behind Chelsea.
To finish second, though, Arsenal will have to maintain their sterling away form to overcome a Newcastle side that can be potentially tricky.
Expectations
Despite taking just five points from their past six games, Newcastle are still sitting relatively comfortable in 11th place. After saying goodbye to former manager Alan Pardew, Newcastle have not sustained their form. Initial positive results have taken a turn for the worst, as highlighted by the 3-0 defeat to Everton last weekend.
Newcastle have entered a slump, which will make it tougher to earn even a draw versus Arsenal. Their best chance is to present a stern defence and frustrate Arsenal, but that will be tough because the Gunners have been so effective in attack of late.
Alexis Sánchez, Santi Cazorla, and Olivier Giroud have all been combining so effectively, making intricate passes and creating a wealth of chances. Arsenal will need to have an off-day to let Newcastle have a chance in this game.
Match Tips
Tip one: Arsenal to win @ 1.65 with ladbrokes
Tip two: No for both teams to score @ 1.90 with ladbrokes
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Arsenal are currently ranked third in the league on the strength of their away form, winning seven games and drawing three from 15 matches. Meanwhile, Newcastle are likely to have goal struggles in the absence of their leading striker.
