English Premier
2013-05-19 - Newcastle United vs Arsenal FC
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Football : English Premier League
Venue: St James Park, Newcastle
Sunday 19th May 2013 – Kickoff time 16:00
Match Preview :
The Gunners travels to face Newcastle United knowing that a win would guarantee them a place in the top-four and the all important Champions League spot. Arsenal could also still finish in third, but their main target is to fend off arch-rivals Tottenham, who are currently a point behind them in fifth.
And to confirm their place, Arsenal need only to match Tottenham's result against Sunderland but any slip-ups at St James' Park could see their north London rivals get the better of them. If Arsenal do win, then their focus will turn to Chelsea's match with Everton, as the Premier League have confirmed that there will be a third-place play-off if the pair end the season with identical results.
As they head into the final match of the season, Chelsea are two points ahead, have a goal difference advantage of one over Arsenal rivals and have scored two more goals. That means that a 0-0 draw for Chelsea and a 2-1 win for Arsenal would put them level on all three criteria, with the same applying for a 1-1 Chelsea draw and a 3-2 Arsenal win, and so on.
And if there is a playoff, then the play-off winner would automatically reach the Champions League group stage, with the team finishing fourth facing a qualifying contest.
However, Arsenal's first aim will be the three points in the North East and Newcastle have only beaten them once in their last 14 meetings, although Arsenal have not won at Tyneside in a league match since 2009.
The home side Newcastle have nothing left but pride to play in this match, however, depending on results elsewhere they could finish as high as 10th or even as low as 17th.
Team News :
Newcastle Team News :
Newcastle midfielder Cheikh Tiote was forced off in the win over QPR with a hamstring problem, but is still expected to start. Meanwhile, Moussa Sissoko, striker Shola Ameobi and defender Ryan Taylor are all out with knee problems.
The likes of Davide Santon (hamstring), Steven Taylor (illness) and Massadio Haidara (hamstring) could all return for this match.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Steve Harper, who has been with the club since 1993, will play his last match for the club at St James' Park as Tim Krul is injured and Rob Elliot is suspended.
Arsenal Team News :
Arsenal have a major doubt over midfielder Mikel Arteta (calf) for this match. That means England international Jack Wilshere, set to have an operation on his troublesome ankle next week, is on stand-by, if he is deemed fit to start with painkillers.
Striker Olivier Giroud returns from a three-match suspension and could be handed a start. However, midfielder Abou Diaby (knee) is a long-term absentee.
Prediction:
Go for Arsenal to win and give the 1 ball away here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Arsenal and give the 1 ball away here.
