Arsenal gunning their way to the Champions League
The Gunners seem to have hit their stride again and look very capable of finishing within the top 4 for the first time in three years and finally making it back to the Champions League, given that they don't do a Spurs and trip up whenever things get serious. Will Arsenal be able to see off a plucky Newcastle at the Emirates?
Arsenal
Despite what has been said on the hilarious emotional rollercoaster that is Arsenal TV (if you've never watched it, you're in for a laugh) regarding this season (as well as the last 10 or so before it), Arsenal have, in my opinion been perfectly fine, borderline stellar at times. There has been the odd loss to the likes of West Ham and Southampton as well as defeats to other top 4 candidates but those slip ups are a part of Arsenals DNA and are to be expected. Things are however looking very dandy indeed as none of their last 8 games include a top table team and they are but a mere point behind Man U and Tottenham sitting at 4th and 3rd respectively with one game less played. Their last two performances against United and Tottenham were especially impressive and if they can bring that form to Mondays game there shouldn't really be any issues.
Notable absentees
Bellerin, Torreira, Welbeck, Holding
Newcastle
The Magpies sit at a respectable 14th and should be quite content with how the season has played out despite Mike Ashley's best efforts. Benitez has yet again worked wonders with the squad whilst being hamstrung by the current owners policy of spending very little money which makes me wonder, how long can Newcastle keep him? They managed to circumvent the barely spend anything policy by bringing in the likes of Salomon Rondon and Kenedy on loan which has proven to be very fruitful, especially the likes of Rondon who has scored 9 times and provided 5 assists. Despite Newcastle's upswing in form, travelling to the Emirates should be too daunting a task and will probably end with the Magpies 7th consecutive away loss to Arsenal.
Notable absentees
Schar, Longstaff, Elliot
Betting tip
I'm going to stick my chin out a little and back an Arsenal (-1) handicap win at 21/20 with Bethard seeing how the Gunners seem to finally be firing on all cylinders.
