'Grudge match': Chris Sutton almost forgets to even mention Newcastle United as he predicts score against Arsenal
Arsenal head to St James' Park on Sunday to take on Newcastle United in the Premier League - Live on Sky Sports with a 4:30 pm kick-off.
Eddie Howe has had the beating of Mikel Arteta for the most part since joining Newcastle. Indeed, Newcastle have won the last three meetings at St James' Park, not to mention beating Arsenal three times out of four last season.
The Gunners are already falling behind Liverpool in the title race and won't want to concede any more ground to Arne Slot's side by suffering another St James' Park defeat.
Meanwhile, Newcastle know how to turn it on against he bigger sides and after putting away four goals on Wednesday night, now seem to have remembered where the net is.
Hey, Chris, Newcastle are involved too, mate!
However, Chris Sutton has backed Arsenal in his prediction for the BBC as he seems to have forgotten about Newcastle entirely.
"This has become a bit of a grudge match since Newcastle's controversial win at St James' Park in 2023.
"Arsenal have lost on their past three visits but even a draw might not help them much this time, because they cannot afford to fall any further behind Liverpool at the top of the table.
"So, Mikel Arteta really needs a win, but how will he approach this? Does he regard Newcastle as a top side and, if so, will he play his robust midfield trio again in the middle of the park?
"He seems to be quite negative and defensive in games like this, and I think it is a legitimate question to ask if Arsenal can win the Premier League by being that cautious.
"Arteta really needs to go for it more. I am finding Newcastle difficult to predict because they do not score many goals, but they are still hard to beat.
"There are a few reasons why I am backing Arsenal - Bukayo Saka is fit again and, if Eze starts as well, they will carry a real threat. They have got Gabriel Martinelli too - but what happens here is really down to Arteta.
"Sutton's prediction: 1-2"
If we weren't struggling to score so much, this would have a home win written all over it
It was nice of him to give us a token mention in the first sentence there, and it seems somebody must have reminded him about us again near the end.
You can practically guarantee that Newcastle won't be so anonymous on Sunday when it comes to the actual game.
As for whether we've got enough about us to win, we're still not sure. The lack of goals against Premier League opposition is a huge concern still.
