Newcastle United will travel to London on Monday to face an in-form Arsenal side that is currently fourth in the table.
After two weeks of no Premier League action due to the EURO 2020 qualifiers and international friendlies, Newcastle United will face Arsenal on Monday. The Gunners are the favorites heading into this match and they should be confident against Newcastle after earning back-to-back clean sheets at home against Manchester United and Rennes (Europa League).
Newcastle have been in top form in 2019 by playing attacking football with Miguel Almiron, Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez leading the way up top. The Magpies’ overall performance record this season is 9-8-14, however, their performance record since January 1st is 5-2-4. This recent resurgence has forced many opponents to respect Newcastle, but do the Toon have a shot at winning at the Emirates on Monday?
Newcastle’s Odds
Compared to some of their recent matches, two of which were thrillers that came right down to the wire, Monday’s match against Arsenal will prove to be difficult. When looking at the last seven fixtures on the schedule, Arsenal are Newcastle’s second-most difficult opponent. The Gunners are firing on all cylinders when they attack as they boast the third-best scoring tally in the league with 63 goals.
That being said, Arsenal’s offensive efficiency will most likely force Rafa Benitez to alter his tactics on Monday. Unai Emery’s men will look to attack and score early as they need three points to maintain their advantage over Manchester United in the standings. The Magpies will be without their best defender, Fabian Schar, due to a yellow card suspension, and this is a blow for Newcastle.
The one key collective attribute that will help Newcastle on Monday is their level of urgency. Newcastle showed how dangerous and clinical they can be in front of goal in the final minutes of a match this month and that mentality can take a team a long way. Arsenal’s defensive record is the second-worst among the top six and they could be exposed on multiple occasions during the match. If Newcastle want to upset the Gunners in London they will need top drawer performances from Salomon Rondon and Miguel Almiron.
Match Favorites: Arsenal
Newcastle Victory Odds: Slim
Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle