Chris Sutton and Paul Merson disagree over Newcastle United vs Arsenal result

Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have locked in their predictions for Arsenal's tough-looking clash with Newcastle United. The Gunners made easy work of Sheffield United last time out to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, but they face a much greater task this weekend.

Two points behind leaders Tottenham and level on points with Manchester City, Arsenal head to the North-East to take on Newcastle United, who are hoping to make up ground on the top five, currently five points behind.

The Magpies thrashed Manchester United 3-0 away from home on Wednesday night, and they will be hoping to stun another one of the traditional big boys at St James' Park on Saturday. Ahead of the clash, Gunners legend Merson has submitted his prediction, telling SportsKeeda: "It could turn out to be a blessing for Arsenal that they were eliminated from the Carabao Cup as it allows them to put more focus on their Premier League title challenge.

"I look at this game and think if Arsenal win, the race for the league title becomes a heads or tails clash between the Gunners and Manchester City, as an away victory at St. James' Park would be a huge statement. Newcastle have injuries but they are a good team at home and rarely lose games in front of their own fans. The West Ham result won't hurt Arsenal in the long-term but could prove to be a bit of a knockout punch, so I'm going for a 1-1 draw here. “Kai Havertz started in midfield alongside Jorginho and Fabio Vieira against West Ham and I felt a bit sorry for him, as that's not his position and he doesn't really have a fixed role in the team." Merson predicted a 1-1 draw, but Sutton is more optimistic about Arsenal's chances, telling BBC Sport while tipping a 2-0 away win: "Newcastle's third team beat Manchester United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, and the whole club will be buoyed by that result. In the same competition, I found it really odd that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta waited until his side were 3-0 down to West Ham before bringing on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard.

"Was he really expecting them to turn the game around? Either play them from the start or bring them on when they are 1-0 down. Both sides will be back to full strength on Saturday and I am expecting this game to be really close. There won't be many goals, but I just have a sneaking feeling that Arsenal will take the points."