After another dull international break, the Premier League weekend stretches into Monday night, with one game on the docket- Newcastle United at Arsenal FC. The Gunners are currently fourth place in the table, in the midst of an exciting four way battle royale for the last two UEFA Champions League qualification slots.
As for Newcastle, they have pretty much secured safety this season, as they currently sit 13th in the table. Rafa Benitez’s side won’t be relegated, but they also won’t finish any higher than mid-table. Let’s take a look at the injury and fitness situation for this match, starting with Arsenal.
Granit Xhaka is likely to play, but he did miss training on Friday, resting and recovering from an adductor strain he suffered while playing for Switzerland over international break. Manager Unai Emery says he should be okay for Monday night, but we’ll know more over the course of the weekend.
Aaron Ramsey missed out on international duty with Wales, because of a thigh injury, but he should be good to go as well. Meanwhile the Gunners’ three long-term injury absentees: Hector Bellerin (knee), Danny Welbeck (ankle) and Rob Holding (knee) remain sidelined.
Midfielder Lucas Torreira will miss out due to a suspension, having been shown a red card against Tottenham Hotspur.
Shifting over to Newcastle, Fabian Schar is back in training after having suffered a head injury while team captain Jamaal Lascelles has overcome a knee problem, and will be available for selection.
The Magpies will be without their long term injury absentees Sean Longstaff (knee) and Rob Elliot (back).
Newcastle United at Arsenal FC FYIs
Kickoff: Monday April 1, 8pm GMT, Emirates Stadium
Arsenal Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Form Guide: Arsenal WDWWW Newcastle United DWLWW
Google Result Probability: Arsenal win 69%, Draw 19%, Newcastle United win 12%
Odds via Lad Brokes: Arsenal win 2/5, Draw 15/4, Newcastle United win 7/1
Prediction: Arsenal 2, Newcastle United 1
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.