Two former Premier League winners have given their take on Newcastle’s home game with title contenders Arsenal.
Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have both insisted Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes could take a blow at Newcastle United this weekend – but have differed in their opinions over the eventual outcome at St James Park.
The Gunners could find themselves four points adrift of leaders and title favorites Manchester City by the time they walk out at St James Park on Sunday afternoon. The current champions host relegation-threatened Leeds United on Saturday afternoon and will be confident of claiming a win against a visitors side under the management of Sam Allardyce for the first time.
Former Premier League winner Sutton believes the Magpies will provide a more stern test for Arsenal than Chelsea managed in midweek at the Emirates Stadium and predicted there will be plenty of entertainment at St James Park when two sides sat in the top three meet in a potentially pivotal fixture in the title race and battle for Champions League places.
Writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, Sutton said: “I was at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday and Arsenal were very good – but there is an argument that Chelsea made them look very good. I thought Gunners defender Jakub Kiwior had a really good game against the Blues, but stopping an in-form Newcastle side is a much bigger ask.
“The way the Magpies take the game to teams is great to watch and there is no way whatsoever this one will end goalless again like it did when they met in January. Arsenal need to keep winning to keep the pressure up on Manchester City and a draw is not enough for them. Sadly for them, I can see Newcastle nicking this and continuing their impressive form.”
Former Arsenal star Merson also believes his old club is in for a tough test at St James Park and described the Magpies as a tough nut to crack on their home patch. He added that The Gunners could well reignite the title race with a win on Tyneside – but admitted they may have to settle for a more modest reward from the game.
He told SportKeeda: “This could be the game that finishes Arsenal off in the Premier League title race, as Newcastle United is in incredible form. Eddie Howe and co have been unbelievable at home this season and are well-positioned to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League next season.
“If Arsenal wins this, I think the title race could be back on, as Manchester City has a bunch of interesting games coming up. Both Arsenal and Newcastle have played fantastic football this season and this will be a great contest, but unfortunately, I can’t see Arsenal winning this one. The pressure will be on them and the Magpies are a tough nut to crack at St. James’ Park, so I think this game will finish 1-1.”
READ MORE:
Sources: Newcastle United delegation jets to Dubai for Arda Guler talks
Newcastle United officials are meeting the family of Fenerbahce sensation Arda Guler in Dubai this weekend to discuss a possible move, sources have told Football Insider.
European sides Ajax and Barcelona are also meeting with Guler’s representatives.
Newcastle are currently working on a deal for the 18-year-old as they look to win the race for his signature this summer.
Talks are taking place in the Middle East with the three elite clubs keen to submit their proposals to the player’s family.
The attacking midfielder’s current deal runs until 2025 but there is a £4.4m clause in his contract that can be triggered if he does not play 1500 minutes of football this season.
Guler, who has six goals and four assists for Fenerbahce this season, has so far accumulated 1,038 minutes of senior action in 2022-23.
The Turkish club has five games remaining in the 2022-23 season and Guler is unlikely to reach the 1500-minute threshold unless he starts each of those matches and even then it is still improbable.
Although the Turkey international has made 29 appearances for the Super Lig club this season, he has only been in the starting lineup for 12 of those fixtures and has played 90 minutes in a league match just once this season.
The Magpies are currently on course for Champions League football this season as they sit third in the Premier League table with three games left to play.
The club is set to bolster its ranks once again this summer and the Saudi owners are willing to back Eddie Howe in the upcoming window.
In other news, Newcastle United is in advanced talks over a club-record player deal.
Leave a Reply