Former Premier League ace Chris Sutton has made his prediction for Newcastle United’s trip to Arsenal this Sunday.
With two games left in the Premier League season, the Magpies still have so much to play for. Champions League qualification is at stake, and they can confirm a return to Europe’s top competition with a win.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side are currently enduring a bad run of form, having failed to win in their last three league games, but will take comfort in the fact that they should have several key players available for the clash.
The likes of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice were spotted in Arsenal training ahead of the Newcastle United game, surely giving them a renewed sense of confidence.
With second place in the Premier League up for grabs, Chris Sutton has made one thing clear ahead of his prediction for this incredibly important game.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Chris Sutton predicts Arsenal vs Newcastle United
Newcastle’s win against Chelsea is sure to have given them much more confidence going into the game, but Sutton believes that both teams will come out of the game with a point.
However, former Premier League striker Sutton thinks there is a rivalry brewing between the two clubs.
“This is a big game with second place up for grabs, and it is a bit of a grudge match too,” Sutton told BBC Sport.
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“Newcastle have beaten Arsenal three times already this season and their meetings have been quite spiky since the Magpies grabbed a controversial win over Mikel Arteta’s side in 2023.
“Arsenal will be absolutely desperate to put one over them this time, but I can see this turning into a real battle and I would not be surprised if it ends up in a draw.
“That is a better result for the Gunners, because a point would all but guarantee them a Champions League place – their goal difference is much better than the other teams in that race – even if their fans will want more.”
Chris Sutton’s prediction: Arsenal 1 Newcastle United 1
What must happen for Newcastle United to secure Champions League qualification?
After a bad start to the season, Newcastle have pulled themselves out of the fire and become one of the most feared teams in the Premier League.
Newcastle are three points ahead of Aston Villa in sixth, so a point could be enough to seal the deal if Unai Emery’s side lose to Tottenham Hotspur on Friday night.
Failing that, Newcastle have a far superior goal difference to Villa, so winning one of their last two games should be more than enough to confirm a return to the Champions League.
Newcastle are backed to finish above Arsenal in the Premier League, and they have an amazing chance to put themselves in the driving seat on Sunday.