Arsenal v Newcastle (8pm, SKY)

Astonishing result from Chelsea yesterday which rocked Liverpool at Anfield and, for my money, puts Man City back in pole position. Just how significant their goal difference over Liverpool will prove to be remains to be seen.

It’s not often you can say that Chelsea were this weekend’s ‘coupon buster’ but it proved to be so with Liverpool heavily backed for days before the match.

It certainly gives Chelsea a great fillip ahead of their Champions League semi-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

At the Emirates tonight there’s unlikely to be any more coupon busting going on as Arsenal should again go on the rampage against a Newcastle side who are in woeful form and with nothing left to play for.

Conversely, Arsenal can put one hand on the final Champions League spot and move four points clear of Everton. A win tonight would leave them needing just one win to be in Europe again for the 18th successive season.

The last time these two sides met it finished 7-3 to Arsenal and don’t forget the memorable 4-4 draw in 2011 when Newcastle fought back from 4-0 down.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Dec 2013 Premier Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
May 2013 Premier Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
Dec 2012 Premier Arsenal 7-3 Newcastle
Mar 2012 Premier Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle
Aug 2011 Premier Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal
Feb 2011 Premier Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal
Nov 2010 Premier Arsenal 0-1 Newcastle
Oct 2010 Carling Cup Newcastle 0-4 Arsenal
Mar 2009 Premier Newcastle 1-3 Arsenal
Aug 2008 Premier Arsenal 3-0 Newcastle

Newcastle had a good start to the season but have now lost 12 of their last 17 league matches and have failed to even score in five of their last six away games.

Pardew is back on the touchline after his ban but it’s hard to think that will inject any boost to Newcastle’s current lethargic form.

RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-10 points)

BUY BOOKINGS ARSNEAL / NEWCASTLE for 10 points at around 35 with Star Spreads
BUY ARSENAL / NEWCASTLE for 10 points at around 2.1 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (APRIL): LOSS 1586.00 POINTS

RUNNING RETURN (YEAR): LOSS 1150.00 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.