Prediction: Arsenal vs Newcastle

Verdict: Bukayo Saka to score anytime 

Best Odds: 33/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Turning their attention back to Premier League duties on Saturday night, Arsenal will welcome Newcastle to the Emirates this weekend.

Arsenal

Starting with the hosts, suffering last-gasp Champions League heartbreak away at Portuguese giants Porto in midweek as they eventually had to settle for a 1-0 defeat, Arsenal will be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, with their sights still set on securing a first Champions League crown since 2004, Mikel Arteta’s men are enjoying a major domestic flurry. Last seen in top-flight action storming their way to a 5-0 victory away at Burnley, Arsenal have won all of their previous five straight Premier League appearances on the bounce. Opening this weekend’s fixtures sat just a single point adrift of top spot, Saturday’s hosts have certainly gained a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. Including a famous 6-0 win away at London rivals West Ham on February 11th, Arteta’s squad have notched a stunning 21 goals on their five-match domestic winning run.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Arsenal will once again be without the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, Jurrien Timber, Fabio Vieira and Ukraine international Oleksandr Zinchenko on Saturday night.

Notching six goals in his previous four Premier League appearances, the red-hot Bukayo Saka will have a leading role to play this weekend. With Arteta tempted to make a handful of changes in north London given what has been a speedy turnaround, former Chelsea midfielder Jorginho could be handed a recall here.

Newcastle

As for the visitors, while Newcastle might have opened 2024 in the midst of a public struggle, Eddie Howe’s men have turned a recent corner. Although the Magpies might have been last seen settling for a lively 2-2 draw at home against Bournemouth, they are unbeaten in their previous five Premier League appearances. Still with their sights set on punching another European ticket this year, Saturday’s guests will also be excited by their eye-catching purple patch on the road. Including a stellar 3-1 victory against Aston Villa last month, Newcastle have won all of their previous four matchups away from St. James’ Park by an aggregate score of 11-3. Likewise, snatching a 1-0 win when they welcomed Arsenal to the north east for their reverse showdown back on November 4th, the Magpies will be desperate to spring a heavyweight upset this weekend.

Team News

Still dealing with a stacked injury list at St. James’ Park, Newcastle will travel to north London this weekend without the likes of Elliot Anderson, Nick Pope, Matt Targett and Joe Willock. Likewise, Brazil international Joelinton remains on the sidelines with a long-term thigh issue.

Finding the net against Bournemouth last weekend and bagging an eighth Premier League strike of the season, ex-Everton star Anthony Gordon could spearhead Howe’s change here. Jacob Murphy could be handed a full recall at the Emirates on Saturday night and could replace former Leicester ace Harvey Barnes.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Arsenal and Newcastle met for their reverse Premier League showdown back on November 4th, the Magpies picked up a 1-0 victory at St. James’ Park.
• Arsenal have won all of their previous five Premier League appearances by an aggregate score of 21-2.
• Newcastle have won all of their last four appearances on the road by an aggregate score of 11-3.
• The Magpies have seen their previous four Premier League appearances produce 21 goals at both ends of the pitch.
• England international Bukayo Saka has bagged six goals in his previous four Premier League appearances.

Conclusion

Suffering last-gasp Champions League frustration away at Porto earlier in the week, Arsenal will be seeking an immediate response here. Nevertheless, in the midst of what has become a rampant domestic flurry and winning all of their previous five top-flight showdowns by an aggregate score of 21-2, the Gunners will know the importance of making a statement on Saturday night. With Newcastle continuing to show some rather glaring defensive issues on either side of opening the New Year, we are backing the red-hot Saka to extend on his Premier League flurry this weekend.

Verdict: Bukayo Saka to score anytime 

Best Odds: 33/20

Bookmaker: Dachbet