It’s second against third in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, as title-chasing Arsenal travel to St. James’ Park to take on in-form Newcastle United.
The Gunners lead the Magpies by 13 points, while Mikel Arteta’s men find themselves a solitary point behind Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
Newcastle, meanwhile, have all but secured Champions League football for next season, as they sit six points inside the top four with a game in hand over fifth-placed Liverpool.
It’s safe to say that Newcastle have enjoyed a phenomenal season up to now, losing just four of their 33 Premier League games while picking up 18 wins and 11 draws.
Eddie Howe’s men head into Sunday’s clash on a three-match winning streak, having dispatched Tottenham Hotspur (6-1), Everton (4-1) and Southampton (3-1) in recent weeks.
On top of that, the Magpies have won eight of their last nine Premier League encounters, scoring at least two goals in each of those victories.
Boasting the best defensive record in the division – with only 27 goals against them this season – Newcastle will back themselves to give Arsenal a real run for their money.
As for Arsenal, they looked destined to clinch the Premier League titles earlier in the season, but Man City have overtaken the Gunners for the time being.
Arteta’s men won 24 of their first 29 league outings this term. However, they have stuttered since then, taking six points from a possible 15.
Following successive draws with Liverpool, West Ham United and Southampton, Arsenal suffered a 4-1 defeat to Man City before bouncing back with a 3-1 victory over Chelsea last time out.
It is worth noting that both teams have scored in each of Arsenal’s previous eight matches, meaning we should see plenty of action at St. James’ Park.
Head-to-head: Newcastle are on a two-game unbeaten run against Arsenal, with a 2-0 victory at St. James’ Park preceding a goalless draw at the Emirates back in January.
That said, Arsenal have lost just one of their last nine Premier League meetings with Newcastle, securing six clean-sheet victories along the way.
Team news: Newcastle have Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth sidelined through injury, while Allan Saint-Maximin and Sean Longstaff are doubts for Sunday’s clash.
On the flip side, Arsenal are waiting on the fitness of Gabriel, with William Saliba, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny sidelined due to injury.
Arsenal are going for the title, but Newcastle have been immense of late, especially on home soil. Plus, the Gunners have managed to win just one of their last five games.
Accordingly, Forebet predicts that Newcastle United and Arsenal will play out an entertaining draw, with both teams scoring over 1.5 goals.
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