Betting preview: Arsenal vs Newcastle United: Howe’s open style suggests goals for Gunners
- Sean Fisher
- 26 November 2021
Eddie Howe will be in Newcastle's dugout for the first time this Saturday, but his side faces an Arsenal team eager to bounce back from their 4-0 loss last weekend.
Newcastle United travel to north London for the early Saturday kick-off, and will be joined by Eddie Howe after his latest COVID-19 test came in negative on Friday.
It'll be a tough task for the Magpies, who face an Arsenal side who were flying high before their 4-0 drubbing by Liverpool last week.
Mikel Arteta's side head into the game as strong favourites, and will be keen to put last week's loss behind them and rediscover the form that saw them go 10 games unbeaten before their Anfield trip.
When, where and how to watch
When: Saturday, November 27, 12:30 GMT
Where: Emirates Stadium, London
How to watch: BT Sport
Best bets for Arsenal vs Newcastle United
With Arsenal looking to get back on track following their heavy defeat to Liverpool, they'll be relishing a visit from Newcastle United who have only beaten the Gunners once in their last 20 attempts.
But, this isn't any ordinary Newcastle side. There's a huge buzz around Tyneside following their Saudi takeover and the appointment of Eddie Howe. Despite propping up the Premier League, they're bound to be a threat.
They've already shown their improved attack under Howe, even if he wasn't present on the sidelines. Their 3-3 draw against Brentford is likely a sign of things to come under the Englishman, so we can expect plenty of goals and action on Saturday afternoon.
Last three meetings
Newcastle United 0-2 Arsenal (Premier League - May 2, 2021)
The last time these sides met, Arsenal collected three points in fairly comfortable fashion at St James' Park.
It took just six minutes for the Gunners to open the scoring through Mohamed Elneny, and they went on to double their lead in the second half through Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Steve Bruce's side rarely threatened and their disappointing afternoon was topped off with Fabian Schar's red card in the 90th minute.
Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle United (Premier League - January 18, 2021)
After entering half-time goalless, Arsenal stepped up the pressure in the second period to seal a decisive win.
Aubameyang scored either side of Bukayo Saka's 60th-minute strike to ensure the Gunners picked up all three points.
Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle United (FA Cup - January 9, 2021)
Arteta's side left it late to seal their spot in the fourth round of the FA Cup. After a goalless 90 minutes, the two sides failed to break the deadlock in the first half of extra time.
The breakthrough eventually came through Emile Smith Rowe in the 109th minute. Eight minutes later, Aubameyang sealed the tie.
Arsenal's cup run was short-lived though, they were knocked out in the following round by Southampton.
Last 10 head-to-heads
Can Newcastle fight fire with fire?
Wilson has netted four this season, while Saint-Maximin follows closely with three. They'll have their work cut out to carve open this Arsenal defence, though. Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu have improved Arsenal's back line hugely, while Aaron Ramsdale looks an inspired addition.
However, after being hammered by Liverpool last week, they may be a little jittery at the back and that's enough for Howe's attack to feed off.
Four of Newcastle's last six Premier League games have seen over 2.5 total goals land, while four of Arsenal's last seven have done the same.
A magnificent scoring record
If it is to be an open game on Saturday, that'll hugely benefit Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who boasts an incredible scoring record against Newcastle.
And don't rule out his creative threat either, Aubameyang has registered three assists in his eight games against this opposition. That takes his goal contribution tally up to nine in eight games.
I'm expecting Aubameyang to be the difference-maker on Saturday, and he could spell all sorts of problems for Newcastle's already shaky back line.
Goalscorer bets for Arsenal vs Newcastle
In addition to Aubameyang, I'm tipping Emile Smith Rowe to find the back of the net for Arsenal.
The 21-year-old is enjoying a fantastic season with the Gunners and he's been central to much of their attacking threat.
He's the club's joint-top scorer this season with four, and he also made the most of his first England call-up with a goal against San Marino.
High on confidence and form, the young English star will be crucial to Arsenal's attack should the game open up, and against the league's worst defence he'll be confident of getting his name on the scoresheet.
In his eight games against Arsenal, Wilson has scored three goals and assisted two more. As he looks to kick on in Tyneside, he'll be the biggest threat to Ramsdale and co.
