MY ACCOUNT
Arsenal head to Newcastle on Monday knowing that they must pick up all three points to climb back into the top four of the Premier League.
Tottenham’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Sunday propelled Antonio Conte’s side ahead of Arsenal into fourth but Mikel Arteta’s men have a game in hand.
That additional game is set to play out on Monday when the Gunners head north to take on Newcastle at St James’ Park and a victory would put them in the driving seat heading into the final day.
A loss to Tottenham last time out means Arsenal will be looking to respond swiftly and they could be facing Newcastle at just the right time.
The Magpies have been much-improved since Eddie Howe arrived but, with their Premier League status for next season assured, they have dropped off in recent weeks.
Team news
Right-back Kieran Trippier and striker Callum Wilson both returned to action after lengthy periods on the sidelines when called off the bench in the 5-0 loss to Manchester City last time out.
The duo could be handed the chance to feature from the start against Arsenal, while Ryan Fraser has also returned to training and could be in the squad.
However, Jonjo Shelvey, Federico Fernandez, Jamal Lewis, Isaac Hayden and Joe Willock are unavailable for the clash.
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes will need to come through a late fitness test after leaving the field against Tottenham with a muscular problem.
Mikel Arteta is certain to be without Kieran Tierney and Thomas Partey due to injury, while Rob Holding is suspended.
The stats
Newcastle were riding a four-game winning streak prior to their suffering back-to-back losses, however, it is worth noting that those defeats came at the hands of Liverpool and Manchester City.
They failed to score against City or Liverpool but had netted in each of their previous five outings, while they have scored in eight of their last nine at home in the league.
Arsenal were also in fine form prior to going down against north London rivals Tottenham, winning four in a row to take control in the race for a top-four berth.
They have won five of their last eight on the road, losing the other three, and can take confidence from their recent visits to Newcastle.
The Gunners ran out 2-0 winners at St James’ Park last season and they have come out on top in each of their last three trips to the north east.
Predictions
There is undoubtedly more riding on this game for Arsenal with Newcastle sitting 14th and likely starting to wind down ahead of the summer.
Siding with Arsenal looks the best way to go but it might not be a walkover as Liverpool found out at the end of April.
Newcastle folded when travelling to Man City last time out but they made Liverpool work hard for a 1-0 win at St James’ Park in the game prior.
With the potential return of Wilson for the Magpies, along with their impressive record of notching at home, it might be worth exploring Arsenal to win and both teams to score.
