Sunday’s Premier League Tips: Newcastle and Arsenal could share the spoils

There are two notable Premier League games set to take place on Sunday and football expert Greg Lea has previewed the action in the north-east and in east London.

Newcastle United v Arsenal

Kick-off: 4.30pm Sunday 

In May 2022, Arsenal went to St James’ Park for a crunch Premier League clash and departed with their tails firmly between their legs.

A 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United left the Gunners in fifth place heading into the final weekend of the campaign. That is where they finished, missing out on the Champions League as a result.

This Arsenal team has shown no shortage of character this season. Mikel Arteta’s squad is on the young side, but their mental fortitude should not be questioned despite a slight dip in form in recent weeks. 

Arsenal returned to winning ways in midweek by overcoming Chelsea 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium. But, by the time this match kicks off on Sunday, they will probably be four points adrift of Manchester City in top spot.

Newcastle have also improved over the last 12 months. They are on course to qualify for the Champions League after winning eight of their last nine matches.

This will be a tough encounter for both teams. Newcastle are in fantastic form and they are suddenly scoring freely having at times struggled to put the ball in the back of the net in the first half of the campaign.

But Arsenal have the best away record in the division, with just three defeats at opposition stadiums. This is likely to be a tight affair with little to choose between two excellent teams. 

Prediction: Draw @ 3.85 

West Ham United v Manchester United

Kick-off: 7pm Sunday 

Manchester United suffered a late blow on Thursday night as Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty in the ninth minute of second-half stoppage time condemned them to a 1-0 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion.

Erik ten Hag’s team has not qualified for the Champions League just yet. With Liverpool seeking a sixth consecutive victory when they face Brentford on Saturday, United’s lead over their arch-rivals could easily be down to one point by the time this match gets under way.

The Red Devils are still odds-on favourites to finish in the top four, and they will have two games in hand on Liverpool after their meeting with Brentford. But there could be more twists and turns to come, especially if United slip up at the London Stadium. 

Erik ten Hag: manager of Manchester United

Ten Hag’s team have a pitiful record away from home against the Premier League’s top nine. Out of a possible 24 points, they have taken just one. However, United are much more reliable when they travel to bottom-half teams - they have not lost any of those contests - and Ten Hag will want to see a reaction on Sunday. 

West Ham will be motivated too, with David Moyes’ men still involved in the relegation battle. They have scored in all eight of their home games in 2023, so there is reason to believe this will be an entertaining affair. 

Prediction: Both teams to score and Over 2.5 goals @ 1.85 

Sunday’s Premier League Tips

Newcastle v Arsenal: Draw @ 3.85
West Ham v Man United: Both teams to score and Over 2.5 goals @ 1.85