Arsenal vs Newcastle United
Date: 01/04/2019
K/O: 20:00
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Newcastle travel south to the Emirates on Monday evening with the Gunners looking to extend their five-game unbeaten run.
Victory over the Magpies would ensure Arsenal remain in the Champions League places and maintain their grip on the top four. Unai Emery’s side could also move two points above rivals Tottenham into third after their defeat away at Liverpool on Sunday.
Only defeat could see Arsenal slip out of the top four after Manchester United beat Watford on Saturday. Emery will be disappointed if his side let their advantage slip immediately after defeating the Red Devils with Chelsea also slipping up in the previous match week, despite returning to winning ways in controversial circumstances against Cardiff on Sunday.
Newcastle recovered twice to leave Bournemouth with a point but are less likely to return with anything from Monday evening’s fixture. Rafael Benitez’s side have been underwhelming on their travels this season, while Arsenal’s home form has been imperious throughout the current campaign.
Positive results at the Emirates Stadium have been the foundation of Arsenal’s Champions League push, therefore Newcastle should be satisfied if they leave with a point.
A loss could see the visitors slip two places to 15th, with Crystal Palace and Brighton lurking narrowly behind, though Benitez side may still be up to seven points clear of Cardiff in the relegation zone.
Arsenal are tied for the second-best home form in the Premier League, and only Manchester City have picked up more points on their own turf. Emery has succumbed to just a single loss at the Emirates all season, against Pep Guardiola’s side, and it’s likely Newcastle will follow the rule, not the exception.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was inspirational in his side’s last home fixture, scoring twice against Rennes in a 3-0 win. The Gabonese forward sits just two goals behind Sergio Aguero in the race for the Premier League Golden Boot on 17 and will hope to replicate his European exploits against Newcastle.
Meanwhile, during the international break, defender Fabian Schar was knocked unconscious on international duty for Switzerland but was allowed to complete the game. The incident has raised concerns on how seriously head injuries and concussion are taken in football and if he should have been able to continue. Benitez will have a decision whether to start the defender but is expected to drop him.
Newcastle will also be concerned that five fans have been charged over their pitch invasion at Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. Matt Ritchie’s late equaliser prompted scenes of jubilation, though some fans spilt onto the pitch and a female steward was injured.
Predicted Starting XIs
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Leno; Sokratis, Koscielny, Monreal; Maitland-Niles, Guendouzi, Xhaka, Kolasinac; Ozil; Lacazette, Aubameyang.
Newcastle (4-5-1): Dubravka; Yedlin, Lejeune, Fernandez, Dummett, Ritchie; Hayden, Diame; Perez, Almiron; Rondon.
Prediction: Arsenal 3 Newcastle 1
Based on their previous home results Arsenal should have the means to cruise to victory. Although, these occasions play perfectly into Benitez’s vertical tactical setup.
