Newcastle United vs Arsenal: Statistical Preview, Form Guide & Head-To-Head

Two sides have incentives heading into the final match of the season, but Arsenal’s are far greater than Newcastle’s. And based on their league positions and meeting at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season, the Gunners are the better team.

Newcastle’s Premier League status was confirmed last weekend with a 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers. Heading into the weekend in 13th position, the Magpies can finish as high as 10th and as a low as 17th.

A 4-1 thrashing of Wigan Athletic on Tuesday puts a top 4 finish in Arsenal’s own hands going into the final game of the season on Sunday. The Gunners are 1 point ahead of North London rivals Tottenham who host Sunderland.

Form

Newcastle WDLDL

Alan Pardew had guided Newcastle to one win in their last seven before heading to Loftus Road last weekend. Bottom of the league and already relegated Queens Park Rangers handed the game to the visitors, gifting the Magpies their second goal. The victory was enough to ensure Premier League football again next season at St James’ Park.

Newcastle have been thrashed in their last two home games – 3-0 by rivals Sunderland and 6-0 by Liverpool in their last game at St James’ Park.

Fabricio Coloccini’s return has seen Newcastle concede just one goal in their last two games after conceding 18 in the eight games he missed prior to returning for a 0-0 draw at West Ham. Behind him, Tim Krul and Rob Elliot are both missing for the visit of Arsenal leaving the experienced Steve Harper to stand between the sticks.

Arsenal WWDWD

Lukas Podolski scored a brace to become the fourth Arsenal player to score 10+ in the league this season. The 3 points gives Arsenal the advantage over rivals Tottenham for a top 4 finish and that all-important Champions League position.

Arsenal are on an impressive run of seven wins from their last nine, being held only by Everton and champions Manchester United. They have won at top half sides Swansea and West Brom during this run. Newcastle are 13th heading into the final day.

Theo Walcott scored in his third consecutive game midweek having scored the only goal against Queens Park Rangers the previous week and the opener in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

Head-to-head

Theo Walcott scored a hat-trick as Arsenal ran out 7-3 at the Emirates Stadium when these two met in their final game of 2012. Newcastle’s defence looked abysmal that day as it did recently in their drubbing by Liverpool.

Arsenal have won the last two games between these two. Both were at the Emirates Stadium. The last time these met at St James’ Park was on the opening day of last season, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Arsenal lost their following two games, and also opened this season with a 0-0 draw, versus Sunderland.

Premier League Stats

Absentees

Newcastle United
Rob Elliot (suspended)
Shola Ameobi (injured)
Tim Krul (injured)
Moussa Sissoko (injured)
Ryan Taylor (injured)
Haris Vuckic (injured)

Arsenal
Abou Diaby (injured)

What do you think the score will be? Will Arsenal do enough to clinch that vital fourth place? Share your views in the comments section below.

Written by Barrie