ARSENAL host Newcastle in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup on Saturday. Tom Love (@TomLove_18) shares his betting thoughts.
Arsenal vs Newcastle | Saturday 9th January 2021, 17:30 | BBC
Arsenal have endured a tumultuous season thus far but have done well in the cup competitions, it’s something for Mikel Arteta to hang his hat on. The Gunners have now won three on the bounce and confidence is growing again at The Emirates, they will fancy their chances against a team they love playing in Newcastle. Its 14 wins in the last 15 meetings for the North London outfit against the Tynesiders.
The Toon Army have been relatively competitive in most games this season but Steve Bruce will no doubt have focus on keeping them in the top flight first and foremost. They’ve had COVID and injury issues in the last month and it’s seen the Magpies go six without a win. Ryan Fraser, Allan Saint-Maximin, Jamal Lascelles and Jamal Lewis are all out or doubts here which leaves the visitors short on quality.
Arsenal games have been notoriously low scoring this season, with all league games going Under 4.5 Goals. It’s been the case in 14/16 Newcastle league games too. The hosts pedigree in this tournament is strong and a routine home win here looks to be on the cards. We can get some 10/11 on Arsenal to win and Under 4.5 Goals with Betway and that looks a worthwhile enhancement on the 4/9 about a straight home win.
One player who should get a start here is youngster Eddie Nketiah. The England U21 international has done well in the Europa League this season with three goals, he’s averaging 4.4 shots per 90 minutes in the continental competition and 3.3 per 90 when taking into account all his games.
Should he start, the 6/4 with Bet365 on Nketiah attempting Over 2.5 Shots just looks too big. The same bet is as short as 4/7 elsewhere.
Best Bets
Arsenal vs Newcastle – Arsenal to win and Under 4.5 Goals (10/11 Betway)
Arsenal vs Newcastle – Eddie Nketiah Over 2.5 Shots (6/4 Bet365)
