Arsenal’s top four ambitions suffered a massive blow in their last game and they will be looking to keep them alive when they travel to Newcastle United in their 37th league game. Hosts Newcastle have 43 points going into this game, in 14th place while Arsenal are fourth place with 66 points. Newcastle United have gone on a good run this year and a takeover and financial injection has seen them secure survival. A top half place is definitely a target for Newcastle and coming from two straight defeats they will want to bounce back. They’ve also failed to score in those two matches but at home, they have four wins in five matches. In matches against Arsenal, Newcastle United have suffered eight straight losses.
Arsenal’s top four credentials are in question; they lost 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur, a match that they needed just a win to secure a top four place. They messed it up with yet another bout of timidity and it has been a problem in matches against the top team. Arsenal’s loss to Tottenham was their first in five matches and they will be counting on their run against Newcastle United to win here. As they plan for this game, the Gunners are also grappling with injuries and suspension; they’ll miss two top players at the heart of defence – Rob Holding who is suspended and the injured Gabriel. Meanwhile, Ben White is only recovering and may be asked to start. The Gunners haven’t managed a clean sheet in their eight matches.
Arsenal are badly in search of a win here; they’ve been on and off, while defensively they haven’t done well. Away from home it is worse, but they have eight straight wins against Newcastle, which should give them hope. Newcastle are also a formidable force and will have a go at Arsenal and in the end, a draw looks likely here.