Mark Lawrenson brands Arsenal 'extremely inconsistent' & makes shock Newcastle United prediction

The Magpies head into the game in fine spirits following their 1-1 draw with Liverpool last weekend, and will be looking to extend their four-match unbeaten run with another impressive performance.

In his weekly predictions piece for BBC Sport, pundit and broadcaster Mark Lawrenson turned his attention to Steve Bruce's side's clash against the Gunners, and backed them to secure a shock 2-1 home win.

Explaining his prediction, the ex-Liverpool defender contended: “Arsenal s priority has to be the Europa League now, because it is the only way they are getting into Europe next season.

“The Gunners are extremely inconsistent at the best of times and I just have a feeling Newcastle will come out on top here.

“Part of that is down to the Magpies' form - they have won two and drawn two of their past four games - but they also have their big guns back in attack and they have made a big difference.”

Meanwhile, Lawro's opponent for the week, Royal Blood drummer and Brighton fan Ben Thatcher, went for a 2-2 draw, and claimed: “This one has got some goals in it.”

The last time the two sides faced each other in the Premier League, back in January, the Gunners stormed to a 3-0 win at the Emirates Stadium as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's brace and Bukayo Saka's effort saw the north London side cruise to victory on home turf.