Arsenal will be desperate to stop the rot when they welcome Newcastle to the Emirates in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
The Gunners’ season is at risk of a full-blown collapse after a fourth consecutive domestic defeat, the most recent of which was a 2-1 loss away to title rivals Manchester City last weekend.
That bruising setback, combined with Man City’s midweek win at Burnley, saw Mikel Arteta’s side surrender their place at the top of the table.
With City otherwise engaged in FA Cup action this weekend, Arsenal will look to make the most of their opportunity to reclaim top spot by taking all three points against Newcastle.
Eddie Howe’s side arrive at the Emirates in equally poor form, having lost their last three Premier League fixtures, the latest a 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth.
As a result, the Magpies have tumbled to 14th place in the table, with hopes of European qualification now fading fast.
How the bookies view it: Gunners to get back in winning groove
Despite their alarming slump in form, Arsenal are expected to get back up and running on Saturday evening, with a home win priced at 12/5 on bet365.
Newcastle are as big as 5/1 on bet365 to emerge from the Emirates victorious on Saturday evening, while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 10/3 with the same firm.
Head to head: Advantage Arsenal
The pair have clashed 198 times in all competitions, with Arsenal narrowly leading the head-to-head with 87 wins to 72, with 39 draws also recorded. The Gunners ran out 2-1 victors in this season's reverse fixture, and a repeat of that scoreline here pays 17/2 on bet365.
Players to watch: Hone in on Hall
Lewis Hall has been fouled twice or more in seven of his last nine Premier League outings, making a repeat here an attractive option at 5/6 on bet365.
Eberechi Eze is a player who likes to try his luck in front of goal at any given opportunity. The Arsenal ace looks good value to hit the target at least once during this contest at 4/5 on bet365.
Predicted line-ups
Martin Odegaard was back in the Arsenal squad last weekend, however the hosts are still sweating over the fintess of Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori for Saturday’s clash with Newcastle.
The visitors also have their own issues, with Tino Livramento joining Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth in the treatment room last weekend, not to mention that Anthony Gordon is a major doubt because of a hip problem. Joelinton will also sit this one out, serving the second game of his suspension.
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Havertz, Eze
Newcastle: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley; Murphy, Osula, Barnes
Anything else catch the eye?
Given their impressive corner returns this season, Newcastle look overpriced to register at least four flag kicks at the Emirates on Saturday evening.
Eddie Howe’s side have averaged a league-high 6.33 corners per game in the Premier League this term.
With that in mind, the visitors hold plenty of appeal to force over 3.5 corners at the Emirates on Saturday evening at 11/10 with bet365.
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