After losing to Villarreal in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, Arsenal look to get back on track against Newcastle. Jake Pearson has previewed the match, providing his best bet and score prediction.
Newcastle come into this fixture in arguably the best form they have been in all season, unbeaten in their last four matches, including wins against Burnley and West Ham.
The return to fitness of Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson has been a huge catalyst for Newcastle’s recent upturn in both results and performances, with the former in particular making a big impact in the last couple of weeks.
A late equaliser against Liverpool last time out will also have done Newcastle’s confidence no harm, and they will likely be champing at the bit ahead of the visit of Arsenal.
Kick-off time: 14:00 BST, Sunday
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
This is potentially a chance for Arteta to rest his more influential players ahead of the biggest game of the Gunners’ season, but it is also a great opportunity for Arsenal to build up a head of steam before Unai Emery’s Villarreal make the trip to London on Thursday.
Whilst this is something of a dead-rubber for Arsenal, the same can be said for Newcastle, and with the Magpies highly unlikely to get relegated from their current position, the only real incentive to win is the difference between finishing 14th rather than 16th.
Gunners away form worth noting
Arsenal’s away form has been slightly better than their home form this season, particularly over the last couple of months.
In fact, Arsenal’s defeat at Villarreal on Thursday evening was the first time they have lost an away match in their last eight fixtures, a run that includes wins over Leicester and Slavia Prague, as well as draws against Benfica and West Ham.
Newcastle are in good form at present, but this is an absolute make or break week for Arteta as the Arsenal manager, and he cannot afford any mistakes.
Arsenal have drifted in the betting since defeat by Villarreal, and understandably so, but that means the Gunners are now odds-against in places to beat the Toon.
Arteta can ill afford for his team to take their foot off the gas in this fixture, whereas Newcastle can already begin planning for next season, and for that reason, a price of 21/20 about an ARSENAL WIN makes appeal.
Newcastle v Arsenal best bets and score prediction
- 2pts Arsenal to win at 21/20 (General)
Score prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal (Sky Bet odds: 7/1)
Odds correct at 0810 BST (30/04/21)
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