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Arsenal looks to bounce back after that horrible loss to Stoke, but Newcastle is on an absolute roll and will be confident of taking points at the Emirates.
Just when it seemed like Arsenal is starting to get into some form, the Gunners lost 3-2 at Stoke in a thriller – being 3-0 down at halftime, they quickly went down 4-0, but the referee changed his decision and disallowed Stoke`s goal after 1 minute! Arsenal went on to score twice in the next couple of minutes but could not capitalize on the momentum and lost the chance for a historic comeback. Arsenal played much better midweek, winning 4-1 at Galatasaray despite resting some players, but the real test will be today against Newcastle.
After an abysmal start to the season, Newcastle went on to win 5 games in a row before taking just 1 point in two games against Burnley and West Ham. I was expecting them to return to losing ways, but the Magpies recovered brilliantly with a 2-1 win over Chelsea last round after a solid performance and a brace by Cisse, who came on the bench – the guy has been absolutely crucial for Newcastle this season.
Bet on Arsenal vs. Newcastle with the best price on ‘over 2,5 goals’ at Bwin.com.
Team news & lineups:
Arsenal continues to miss Ozil, Walcott, Arteta, Diaby, Ospina, Gnabry, Rosicki and Wilshere, but the bad news for Wenger is that for today he will also be without Koscielny, Chambers, Monreal and Ramsey – huge blows, and the defense will be decimated. Flamini is doubtful but he will almost surely be forced, as there are no other solutions as holding midfielder (Wenger might well play 4-1-4-1 here). Newcastle also with a bunch of injured and suspended players: Santon, De Jong, Obertan, Krull, Elliot, Gutierrez, R. Taylor, Aarons, Good, S. Taylor, Sissoko and possibly Coloccini. Third choice keeper Alnwick will deputise and I have to say he looked a little shaky in the second half against Chelsea – some good saves, but also some stupid moves especially on crosses.
Arsenal: Szczesny – Bellerin, Mertesacker, Debuchy, Gibbs – Flamini – Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla, Sanchez, Welbeck – Giroud
Newcastle: Alnwick – Janmaat, Coloccini, Dummett, Haidara – Colback, Tiote – Ameobi, Cabella, Perez – Cisse
Both these sides are absolutely decimated by injuries, team news are a nightmare and it`s hard to say who is worse off, though I think Newcastle is more hurt – they don`t have the same depth as Arsenal. However what really catches the eye is the defensive situation of each club, with Arsenal having to play an improvised back line while Newcastle misses its main goalkeepers and Coloccini is not 100% fit – on the other hand finally having key goalscorer Papiss Cisse finally fit to start. I fully expect goals to be scored in this one – Arsenal will be desperate for the win, we know they can score but they also struggled defensively big time, even with a better setup than what they will field today. A 4-1-4-1 formation will be more offensive minded than 4-2-3-1 and fans have called to a more attacking style start, as Arsenal struggled to score lately in the first half in the Premier League. Newcastle has its own problems at the back, but stand better offensively and will rely on Cisse to break down this horrible Arsenal defense at least once, especially on the break.
My tip here is over 2,5 goals. Both teams to score also looks like a good bet, but I actually think Arsenal has a better chance of winning 3-0 on a good day than Newcastle has to snatch a 1-1 draw. Arsenal should win, too many players miss from Newcastle`s lineup (3 new key absentees compared to the Chelsea game), but the odds are rubbish. Pick the over. Prediction: Arsenal – Newcastle 3-1.
Pick: over 2,5 goals
Odds: 1.72 @ Bwin
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 7.20
Event date: 13 December
