Prediction: Newcastle vs Arsenal

Newcastle United will be hoping to put an end to the barren run of results having lost three of last four Premier League matches, but this is hardly the perfect time to be facing in-form Arsenal. The Gunners extended the great run of results with a 2-0 triumph at Monaco, and are looking to record sixth straight league win at St James’ Park.

Everybody at St James’ Park had high hopes before this season started as the Magpies had managed to sign a host of quality players for the first time in quite a while. However, things did not exactly go as planned given that the team largely struggled in the opening exchanges, and while they impressed to record six straight wins in October and November, Newcastle were soon back to under-par performances. In all fairness, the Magpies had to contend with plenty of injuries to key players, with the team again going through a very difficult patch. Not only did John Carver’s side suffered back to back losses to Manchester United and Everton, but they have seen even more important players pick up injuries or suspensions in the process, meaning that the manager only has 13 senior players and two goalkeepers available for the visit of red-hot Arsenal. With the likes of Coloccini, Tiote and Cisse unavailable, among others, Newcastle have little to hope for at the moment. The latest reports suggest that full-back Daryl Janmaat will act as a makeshift centre-back, in which case his attacking runs down the right flank would be sorely missed.

Even if Arsenal experienced all sorts of problems at the start of the current season, the Gunners did well to get their campaign back on track and they have been quite impressive over the last few months. Arsene Wenger’s men edged closer to defending the FA Cup title with an impressive triumph at Old Trafford, but the 3-1 home defeat to Monaco in the Champions League denied them the chance to finally leave their mark on Europe’s elite competition. The Gunners produced a very good showings in the return leg, winning 2-0 at Stade Louis II, but they could not find the goal that would have seen them progress to the quarter-finals. Nevertheless, Arsenal players have no reason to feel sorry for themselves having played some great football of late, with the North London outfit in search of a sixth straight Premier League victory at St James’ Park. With Newcastle squad stripped to bare bones, the Gunners have an excellent chance to not only cement a top 4 berth but also put extra pressure on holders Manchester City in the race for the second place in the standings. Arsene Wenger is expected to make several changes to his starting line-up with the likes of Walcott, Ramsey and Paulista tipped to start.

Conclusion

Newcastle have now lost three of last four league matches and with so many important players missing, I don’t see how they are going to stop Arsenal in their tracks. The Gunners are clearly playing their best football of the season and I trust them to record a comfortable win at St James’ Park.

Verdict: Away win

Best Odds: 5/8

Bookmaker: William Hill