Two Premier League greats, Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, have offered starkly different predictions ahead of the crucial Arsenal vs. Newcastle clash at the Emirates Stadium on May 18 — a match with major implications for second place.
The Gunners are currently second in the EPL rankings, with 68 points, just one point ahead of the third-placed Magpies – and win would guarantee Mikel Arteta’s men a runners-up spot and UEFA Champions League qualification.
But anything less opens the door for Eddie Howe’s side, who have lost only once in their last five league outings.
Gary Neville, the former Manchester United captain and an eight-time EPL winner, is backing Arsenal to bounce back from recent setbacks.
“I feel quite strongly that Arsenal are going to win. I think they will secure that second place,” he said on the on It’s Called Soccer podcast.
“I think they will have had enough time. That was a big second 45 minutes at Anfield and it will really give them a lift.”
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Arsenal had a slump this spring – which began with a 4-0 Carabao Cup semifinal loss to Newcastle in February – a result that triggered a poor run of form for Arteta, as they mustered 38% win rate in the following matches across all competitions.
But they’ve recently shown signs of resilience, salvaging a 2-2 draw against Liverpool after a woeful first half.
“Arteta will have given them a few days off at the start of the week and they’ll come back a little fresher mentally.”
“The big thing on Sunday is that if Arsenal win, they get second place confirmed and that’s big.
“It means they can relax in the last week of the season and almost half go on holiday. I just think there’s enough on this game and Arsenal will win 2-1.”
Jamie Carragher expects a thriller
Carragher – Liverpool’s second-most capped player and a Champions League winner – predicts a thriller in North London but expects both sides to share the spoils.
“I’m going to go for a 2-2 draw. I think it will be a great game, I think Newcastle will really go for them.
“Obviously, Arsenal came back at Liverpool, and they’ve got a week to prepare which will be a little bit easier.
“But they are still missing a few players, they’re still probably a bit down with being out of the title race and Champions League.
“I feel like there’s a real buzz at Newcastle. They’ve got the trophy and for Newcastle to finish second in the Premier League, will feel absolutely massive.
“For Arsenal, second place would almost feel like nothing, so I think Newcastle will push Arsenal all the way and I’m going for 2-2. I don’t see Arsenal winning.”
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