Newcastle vs Arsenal betting tips and predictions: Gunners' title bid already in the balance at St James’ Park

Newcastle state of play 

Newcastle haven’t really gotten going this season. The Magpies efforts over the first five Premier League matches, have, so far, yielded only one win. 

Want more? Get live Premier League match odds and bookmaker welcome bonuses

However, they’ve only lost once in the English top flight, conceding a gut-wrencher in the 10th minute of stoppage time against champions Liverpool. 

Both sides made the EFL Cup fourth round and will be among the favourites for that competition. But Newcastle are finding goals hard to come by, scoring just once in their four matches outside of the 3-2 loss against the Reds. Again, on the flip side to that, they’ve kept a clean sheet in those four games. 

Defensively, they are the best team in the Premier League with four clean sheets and the lowest Expected Goals Against total (2.5). In attack, they’re struggling in a post-Alexander Isak world. 

Arsenal state of play

In the Premier League this term, the Gunners have played five, won three, drawn once and lost once.  Their only defeat arrived against reigning champions Liverpool. Like this week’s opponents, they’re defensively robust with three clean sheets and the second lowest Expected Goals Against total (3.3). 

However, Mikel Arteta’s side have yet to really click in attack. They may have scored 10 goals in their five outings but their open-play Expected Goals haul is just 0.65 per 90. 

New signing Viktor Gyokeres scored in wins over Leeds United and Nottingham Forest but was a non-entity in top of the table clashes against Liverpool and Manchester City. Arsenal will hope he doesn't perform another Houdini act against the Toon on Sunday.  

Key talking point: Arsenal’s non-threat in attack 

The runners-up for the last three years, spent over £150million bolstering their forward line this summer. Arteta brought in Gyokeres to spearhead the attack and added Premier League experience in Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke as depth. 

Despite this, Arsenal have so far, often looked bereft of ideas in open-play. Only once in their five Premier League games this season have the Gunners managed to finish with an open-play xG of higher than one and that occurred against Nottingham Forest in Ange Postecoglou’s first game in charge. 

If they have serious title aspirations, they’re going to have to start doing something in open-play. Set pieces won’t always be a get out of jail free card. 

FIRST’s top tip

Pick: Malick Thiaw to be booked anytime in the match - 3/1 (Ladbrokes) 

A £30million signing from AC Milan during the summer transfer window, Thiaw is still getting to grips with the physicality of the Premier League. 

READ: Premier League betting tips and predictions gameweek 6

On average, he’s committing close to three fouls per 90 for the Magpies. He’s yet to receive a yellow card in the English top-flight but, up against Gyokeres this weekend, that could change. 

Extra tips

We’re expecting this game to be very physical and combative, so we’re expecting to see yellow cards. 

The likely culprits are Anthony Gordon, always on the move and putting himself about, and Martin Zubimendi, especially given he’ll be up against quite a robust Newcastle midfield. 

With these two teams having the best defensive records in the league, we’re expecting a clean sheet, so both sides won’t be scoring. 

Pick: Anthony Gordon to be booked anytime in the match - 21/10 (Ladbrokes)

Pick: Martin Zubimendi to be booked anytime in the match - 11/2 (Ladbrokes)

Pick: Both teams to score in the match: No - 10/11 (Ladbrokes)

Team news

The Magpies will definitely be without summer signings Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey but Fabian Schar should return to the squad following a head injury. 

Howe will have a decision to make whether to start new striker Nick Woltemade in attack or go with the pace of Gordon. 

Arsenal, meanwhile, are without a host of attackers with Noni Madueke the latest to be set for a stint on the sidelines alongside Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. 

Piero Hincapie will miss the game at St James’ Park too but, good news for the title chasers, Bukayo Saka is back. 

Newcastle United vs Arsenal predicted line-ups 

Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Livramento; Guimaeres, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Gordon, Elanga. (4-3-3)

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Martinelli, Gyokeres, Saka (4-3-3)

Form guide (all competitions)

Newcastle: DLLDLDWLDL

Arsenal: LDWWWWLWDL

Responsible gambling with FIRST

You must be 18+ to gamble. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our tips and advice help you enjoy gambling, but there is always a chance a bet or casino game can lose.

Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Stop betting if you are angry, emotional or under the influence of alcohol.

Warning signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, betting money needed for bills, or feeling unable to stop.

Need help? Visit our responsible sports betting page or our responsible casino gambling page, or contact the support organisations listed below if you're struggling to control your gambling:

Gamblers Anonymous UK

BeGambleAware

GAMSTOP

National Gambling Support Network

Gamcare

NHS National Gambling Clinic

Odds correct at the time of writing.