Jamie Carragher is expecting Newcastle United to ‘push’ Arsenal on Sunday.
The two sides meet at the Emirates Stadium, with both teams looking to confirm Champions League football for next season.
Newcastle United know they will move up to second with a win over Arsenal, while the Gunners can guarantee their place below Liverpool with victory.
It is a massive game in North London, with Paul Merson backing Arsenal to win.
That is despite the fact that the Magpies have beaten Mikel Arteta’s side three times this season without conceding a single goal. On top of that, Arsenal could be without Declan Rice due to injury, while Mikel Merino is suspended.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Carragher and Neville divided over Arsenal vs Newcastle United
Those issues could go against Arsenal, with Jamie Carragher believing that the Magpies will return to Tyneside with a point.
During the latest episode of the It’s Called Soccer podcast on the Overlap US YouTube channel, Carragher has predicted that Arsenal vs Newcastle United will be a draw.
“I’m going to go for a 2-2 draw,” he said.
“I think it will be a great game. I think Newcastle will really go for them.
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“Arsenal came back at Liverpool. They’ve got a week to prepare, which will be a little bit easier. But they’re missing a few players, they’re probably still a little bit down being out the title race and the Champions League.
“At Newcastle there is a real buzz. They’ve got the trophy, and for Newcastle to finish second in the Premier League will feel absolutely massive. Whereas for Arsenal it will almost feel like nothing.
“Newcastle will push Arsenal all the way. I’m going to go 2-2. I don’t see Arsenal winning.”
While Carragher expects an even game, Gary Neville is certain that Arteta’s team will be the winners.
Neville replied: “I feel quite strongly Arsenal are going to win. I think they will secure second place. That was a big 45 minutes at Anfield that will really give them a lift.
“I think he’ll have given them a few days off at the start of the week. They’ll have come back mentally fresher.
“I think the big thing on Sunday is if Arsenal win they do get second place confirmed. That means they can relax in the final week of the season, almost go on holiday a bit.
“I think there is enough on this game with the Arsenal fans there. I think Arsenal will win 2-1.”
Host Rebecca Lowe also gave her verdict, backing Newcastle United to win at the Emirates.
Eddie Howe’s tactical dilemma ahead of facing Arsenal
During Newcastle’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg win over Arsenal, Eddie Howe played with three central defenders.
He also used that tactic on Sunday, as Newcastle beat Chelsea 2-0. Sven Botman returned to the starting XI and played extremely well.
Not for the first time, Newcastle proved that they are capable of playing in different ways under Howe.
That leaves the Newcastle United manager with a dilemma. He must decide whether or not to stick with three centre-backs against Arsenal, or revert to his trusted 4-3-3 formation.
If Howe opts for the latter, there could be an opportunity for Lewis Miley to start in midfield. Joelinton and Joe Willock missed the Chelsea game due to injury, and it is uncertain when they will be available again.