Newcastle United travel to Arsenal with a spot back in the Champions League on their minds - and knowing a win would tee them up for a second-placed Premier League finish.
So, here we are. Two games to go, one for some, and Newcastle United are in a battle with the majority of the top half of the table for the remaining Champions League places.
It’s the kind of battle we always dreamed of being back in - and, as things stand, this looks set to be as tense as ever, with things almost certainly set to be decided on the final day next weekend.
While Liverpool have walked away with the title, relatively unchallenged, Arsenal are hanging on to second by a thread, and it’s Eddie Howe’s Magpies who are breathing down their neck. A win for United on Sunday would see them go into the final day clash with Everton at St James’ Park knowing that three points in that encounter would see them record their highest top flight finish since 1997.
This isn’t just about Newcastle, though. Chelsea and Aston Villa are level on points with the Magpies, after winning on Friday night, to add further spice to the final week of the campaign. Goal difference separates the three - and it’s something United will have to be aware of, even if in defeat at the Emirates.
Now I’m sure we have all made our own predictions out there - but here’s some expert analysis. Well, I say expert, more digital. We asked Artificial intelligence to predict how Arsenal v Newcastle would play out. And it actually returned a surprise result.
Arsenal v Newcastle United: the prediction
We asked AI tool Grok to “predict what will happen in Arsenal v Newcastle United” - and here’s what it came up with.
It said: “The Opta supercomputer gives Arsenal a 47% chance of winning, with Newcastle at 27.7% and a draw at 25.7%, but this doesn’t account for Newcastle’s recent dominance over Arsenal. Posts on X reflect fan sentiment, with some Newcastle supporters confident Isak will score multiple goals, while Arsenal fans hope Rice and Havertz’s return can turn the tide. Given Newcastle’s current form, historical struggles at the Emirates, and Arsenal’s defensive frailties, a high-scoring draw feels likely, but Newcastle’s momentum might just edge it.”
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Arsenal v Newcastle United: the result - and scorers
So, here it is - and it will definitely come as a surprise to many, like it definitely did us. Grok thinks the final score will be: Arsenal 2 Newcastle United 3
It explains: “Newcastle’s winning streak and attacking form should see them secure a narrow victory, potentially confirming their Champions League return, while Arsenal’s late-season slump continues.”
And who will be on the scoresheet, I hear you ask? Well, it couldn’t be anyone else. Grok thinks Alexander Isak will net twice, with one for Anthony Gordon rounding off the scoring for the Magpies. While for the hosts, Kai Havertz will score on his return, as well as Gabriel Martinelli.
Grok says: “Isak scores early, exploiting Arsenal’s set-piece weakness, but Havertz equalizes before halftime. Gordon puts Newcastle ahead, Martinelli levels again, and Isak grabs a late winner. Arsenal dominate possession (55-60%), but Newcastle’s counter-attacks (1.8 xG per away game) prove decisive. Both teams’ defensive issues ensure goals at both ends.”
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