Newcastle vs Arsenal: Mark Lawrenson predicts result

Liverpool legend, Mark Lawrenson, has predicted that Newcastle United will defeat Arsenal by 2 goals to 1 when both teams clash in Saturday’s Premier League fixture at the St. James’ Park Stadium.

Arsenal head to the game following a 3-2 victory against Cardiff City in their last EPL fixture.

Newcastle, on the other hand, were defeated 2-1 against Manchester City in their last EPL encounter.

“Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez has had some stick for the way he has been setting his teams up so defensively, although the Magpies fans are still very much on his side,” Lawrenson told BBC Sport.

“Saturday will be no different – you know his focus will be as much on stopping Arsenal as it is on how his own team get forward.

“I just have a feeling it might work this time.

“Arsenal’s players are not the only ones who have been away on international duty of course, but this might be a good time for Newcastle to play them.

“Benitez’s side beat the Gunners at St James’ Park last season, to effectively ensure they stayed up, and I am going to go for the same result.

“Prediction is Newcastle United 2 Arsenal 1.”

The kick-off time for the match is 5:30pm.