Chris Sutton and Paul Merson both say the same thing about Newcastle United v Arsenal

Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have both insisted Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes could take a blow at Newcastle United this weekend - but have differed in their opinions over the eventual outcome at St James Park.

The Gunners could find themselves four points adrift of leaders and title favourites Manchester City by the time they walk out at St James Park on Sunday afternoon. The current champions host relegation threatened Leeds United on Saturday afternoon and will be confident of claiming a win against a visitors side under the management of Sam Allardyce for the first time.

Former Premier League winner Sutton believes the Magpies will provide a more stern test for Arsenal than Chelsea managed in midweek at the Emirates Stadium and predicted there will be plenty of entertainment at St James Park when two sides sat in the top three meet in a potentially pivotal fixture in the title race and battle for Champions League places.

Writing in his BBC Sport predictions column, Sutton said: “I was at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday and Arsenal were very good - but there is an argument that Chelsea made them look very good. I thought Gunners defender Jakub Kiwior had a really good game against the Blues, but stopping an in-form Newcastle side is a much bigger ask.

“The way the Magpies take the game to teams is great to watch and there is no way whatsoever this one will end goalless again, like it did when they met in January. Arsenal need to keep winning to keep the pressure up on Manchester City, and a draw is not enough for them. Sadly for them, I can see Newcastle nicking this and continuing their impressive form.”

Former Arsenal star Merson also believes his old club are in for a tough test at St James Park and described the Magpies as ‘a tough nut to crack’ on their home patch. He added that The Gunners could well reignite the title race with a win on Tyneside - but admitted they may have to settle for a more modest reward from the game.

He told SportKeeda: “This could be the game that finishes Arsenal off in the Premier League title race, as Newcastle United are in incredible form. Eddie Howe and co have been unbelievable at home this season and are well-positioned to secure a place in the UEFA Champions League next season.

“If Arsenal win this, I think they title race could be back on, as Manchester City have a bunch of interesting games coming up. Both Arsenal and Newcastle have played fantastic football this season and this will be a great contest, but unfortunately, I can’t see Arsenal winning this one. The pressure will be on them and the Magpies are a tough nut to crack at St. James’ Park, so I think this game will finish 1-1.”

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