Manchester United hero Gary Neville and Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson have predicted Arsenal to falter in their must-win Premier League clash against Newcastle United tonight.
The Gunners lost 3-0 to local rivals Tottenham Hotspur last Thursday before the Lillywhites clinched a 1-0 victory against Burnley on Sunday afternoon, meaning Mikel Arteta and Co are now two points behind their fellow north London side in the race for top-four. However, if Arteta's side can secure wins from their last two league fixtures, they will guarantee fourth and secure a spot in next season's UEFA Champions League - a competition they have failed to qualify for in each of the last five seasons.
Ahead of tonight's trip to St. James' Park, Reds legend Lawrenson has forecasted the Magpies to get a result that would leave Arsenal staying in fifth place going into the final day of the season. Arsenal endured a horrible night in Thursday's north London derby, but they cannot afford to dwell on what went wrong for them against Spurs", he told the BBC.
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"It's typical Arsenal, really, because they always seem to get themselves in a good position but whenever something goes against them, they just seem to collapse. At times this season, it has looked like they have become stronger mentally - but they haven't.
"They are under pressure now, too. If Spurs beat Burnley on Sunday, and I think they will, then Arsenal will have to win at St James' Park or fourth place will be out of their hands on the final day of the season.
"We know Tottenham have a record of messing up too, but they play bottom side Norwich on the final day and Arsenal obviously do not want to be relying on the Canaries to do them a favour. That might be the scenario the Gunners are facing, though.
"We all know how much Newcastle have improved in the past few months, and they have been very strong at St James' Park. Beating them there is a very big ask."
Mark Lawrenson's prediction: 1-1
Former United defender Neville also backed Eddie Howe's men to frustrate Arsenal. Speaking to Sky Sports after Thursday's north London derby, he said: “I mean, Newcastle on Monday night… that's gonna be really, really tough. It’s just going be really, really tough.
"The pressure on that game and then it is Everton at home last game. If Everton need points, then they've got two really tough games at this moment in time.
“I think Tottenham will beat Burnley and I think Arsenal will have to win the last two matches. I’m not sure they will. I think that was a really big blow tonight.”
