Opta supercomputer gives interesting prediction for Newcastle United vs Arsenal

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Opta’s supercomputer has shared its prediction for Newcastle United’s game against Arsenal at St James’ Park on Sunday.

After success in the Carabao Cup at midweek, the Magpies are back in Premier League action when they welcome Arsenal to St James’ Park.

Newcastle United are looking to make it four straight wins against the Gunners at home to get their Premier League season on track after a fairly mellow start. While Eddie Howe’s side has lost just once in the league this season, they have only won once, a 1-0 win against Wolves at home earlier this month.

Howe is pleased to welcome back Anthony Gordon against Arsenal after the England international’s three-game ban, while the likes of Sandro Tonali can return to the starting XI after sitting out the win against Bradford City on Wednesday evening.

The game will be a tough challenge for Newcastle, despite their recent record against Arsenal. Now, the Opta supercomputer has shared an interesting insight into the possible result.

Opta supercomputer predicts a narrow win for Arsenal against Newcastle United

Newcastle have had a tough run of fixtures in the Premier League, playing the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool and Bournemouth in their opening five games.

It does not get much easier for the Magpies, with Arsenal coming to St James’ Park after winning three of their opening five games.

Newcastle lost their last game against Arsenal, with Declan Rice scoring a wondergoal at the Emirates Stadium to secure a 1-0 win, eliminating any chance Howe’s side had of finishing second in the Premier League.

With recent form and past appearances in mind, Newcastle have been handed a 30% chance of winning against Arsenal by Opta’s supercomputer. In turn, Arsenal are the more likely side to win, with a 44% chance of picking up the three points.

However, there is still a decent chance that the points could be shared between the two teams on Sunday, with the supercomputer stating that there is a 24% chance of a draw.

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What Eddie Howe has said about Arsenal ahead of Newcastle United trip

While Newcastle have a good record against Arsenal at home, Howe will only be thinking about the last result, a defeat.

Tempers flared between the two teams during a 2023 meeting, where VAR awarded Newcastle a controversial goal, as it looked like the ball had gone out of play during the build-up. Mikel Arteta was livid with the decision, calling it a ‘disgrace’.

Things also got heated at the end of their last meeting, with a melee breaking out on the pitch towards the end of the game. In the end, it did not change the final result.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe gave a short response to his feelings towards the game.

“It’s always been competitive in the games that I’ve been here and there has been an edge to those games because both teams are desperate to win,” he said.

“We encourage that. The more competitive we are, the better we play so certainly we need to bring that side.”