Fatigue might already be setting in for an overmatched and undermanned Newcastle side, something which could play a huge role this weekend against Arsenal at home.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Gunners haven't been at their best this year either, but at least they are still showing flashes of brilliance. That's why they're favored by a goal in this fixture even though they are playing on the road.
Arsenal is a -175 moneyline choice alongside a total of 2.5 and -133 vig on the over.
KEY INJURIES
With money still a huge issue at the club, the Magpies have really been limited in their ability to field enough quality players to win matches at this level. Newcastle is still without Curtis Good, Paul Dummett and Sylvain Marveaux, while Moussa Sissoko seems no closer to a return after picking up a groin injury two weeks ago against Swansea.
Eventually this Arsenal team is going to be scary whether it makes that splash for a big striker it has desperately been craving or not. Jack Wilshere and Danny Welbeck are still long-term absentees. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny both sat out last week with minor issues, though neither has been cleared as of Tuesday morning for training.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"You just have to manage it right because if we want to do the same on Saturday… And I think the manager will know – a few of the boys in there are absolutely knackered. And that is what it is all about. But we are definitely pushing for a good cup run, yes." – Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul on his side's physical state after a scoreless draw with Manchester United last weekend which left many dinged up
RECENT FORM
Newcastle did tremendously well last week to hold off Manchester United at Old Trafford. It was a stunning draw for a team which had not looked good in either a 2-0 loss at Swansea or a 2-2 draw at home against Southampton at the outset of the Premier League campaign.
Arsenal has had some goal-scoring woes early this season. The team was stunned by West Ham 2-0 at home in the opener, and the 2-1 performance against Crystal Palace on the road just didn't feel like a tremendous result. The Gunners might have been at their best against Liverpool in spite of the fact that last Monday's result was only a scoreless draw. The bottom line though, was only a point, and that just isn't good enough at this level for a team which genuinely believes it is a contender for the championship this term.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
The Magpies are stuck with a Carling Cup tie with Northampton at home on Tuesday, and ownership has made it clear that it wants to win a cup here in England in the very near future. The pressure will surely be on Steve McClaren to make it happen, or he very well could find himself sacked in a hurry.
If Newcastle goes all out on Tuesday, something which we don't know as of the publishing of this article, this could be a nasty visit from Arsenal. Even if the Gunners aren't quite stocked right up front, they're still a very dangerous attacking unit.
This fatigue thing is going to be a huge issue this year for Toon, and it'll show immediately against Arsenal to wrap up August.
Arsenal 3, Newcastle 0
The English Premier League lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker Sportsbook with Arsenal lined as a -175 moneyline favorite and a total of 2.5. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between Arsenal and Newcastle is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 7:45 a.m. ET at St. James' Park. The match will be televised live on NBC Sports Network.
