18 May 2025 | Venue: Emirates Stadium
ARSENAL TEAM UPDATE
Arsenal’s recent run of form has raised questions about their momentum heading into the final stages of the Premier League. After a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Anfield, they stumbled with a shock 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth and were eliminated from the Champions League semi-finals by PSG (3-1 on aggregate).
In the second leg against PSG, Mikel Arteta’s side showed attacking intent early on, pressing high and dictating the tempo. They created chances worth 3.2 expected goals (xG), but wastefulness in front of goal cost them dearly—highlighting a familiar lack of ruthlessness in the final third.
The midfield is a growing concern for Arsenal. Declan Rice remains a doubt with a hip issue, while Mikel Merino serves a suspension. Jorginho is also ruled out, limiting Arteta’s central options. Leandro Trossard won’t feature either, although there is optimism around Kai Havertz, who is recovering quicker than expected from a hamstring injury.
Arsenal Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Jorginho; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
NEWCASTLE UNITED TEAM UPDATE
Newcastle travel to North London riding a wave of confidence after a 2-0 win over Chelsea. They’ve now won five consecutive matches at St. James’ Park and remain in the hunt for a Champions League spot.
Recent performances—1-1 vs Brighton, a 3-0 victory over Ipswich, and a 4-1 setback against Aston Villa—highlight their attacking ambition and tactical versatility. Eddie Howe has fine-tuned a system that allows the Magpies to transition seamlessly between formations depending on the match situation.
In the win over Chelsea, Newcastle began in a 3-4-2-1 setup that shifted to a 5-4-1 without the ball. Their high press disrupted Chelsea’s rhythm, while wing-backs Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento tracked wide threats effectively. Following Nicolas Jackson’s red card, Howe adjusted again, reinforcing midfield control with the introductions of Emil Krafth and Lewis Miley.
Joelinton and Jamaal Lascelles are ruled out for the trip, while Lewis Hall and Matt Targett remain long-term absentees.
Newcastle Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):
Pope; Trippier, Schär, Burn, Livramento; Guimarães, Tonali; Willock, Murphy, Isak; Gordon
MATCH OUTLOOK & PREDICTION
Prediction: Newcastle or Draw (Double Chance)
Odds: 1.88 (22Bet)
Score Prediction: Arsenal 1-2 Newcastle
Newcastle’s recent form—highlighted by the Chelsea result—reflects a tactically astute and adaptable team. With attacking threats in Isak, Gordon, and Barnes, and solid midfield control via Guimarães and Tonali, they’ll be a serious test for Arsenal.
The Gunners, meanwhile, are hampered by injuries to key players like Rice, Trossard, and possibly Havertz. Their recent performances suggest vulnerability, particularly at home, where they’ve conceded soft goals and dropped crucial points.
Newcastle’s hunger for a top-four finish, combined with Arsenal’s inconsistency, points to a potential upset or at least a draw.
ALTERNATE BETTING TIP: Both Teams to Score
Odds: 1.61 (22Bet)
Arsenal average 2.00 goals per game but have also leaked goals consistently—conceding in their last five outings at a rate of 1.80 goals per 90 minutes. Newcastle, meanwhile, are scoring at a strong clip of 2.40 goals per game and have found the net in every match during that stretch.
Prediction
With both sides boasting attacking firepower and defensive question marks, goals at both ends look very likely.