Ex-Arsenal player Charlie Nicholas is expecting an entertaining game between the Gunners and Newcastle this afternoon. The away side have some doubts over team selection while the home team have a new manager in charge so it could be a hard one to predict.
However, the TV pundit does believe his former side will come out on top at St James’ Park today, and he thinks both of the London club’s top scorers from last season will get their names on the scoresheet:
“I see both teams scoring, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette ushering in the new season with a goal apiece.”
Nicholas has gone for a 3-1 win for Arsenal, which seems about right, despite the issues manager Unai Emery has with both injuries and the inability to select either Mesut Ozil or Sead Kolasinac.
Some Magpies fans are expected to boycott the first game to protest against the ownership of Mike Ashley, and those that will be there are not particularly enthusiastic by the appointment of Steve Bruce. It could be the perfect time to face Newcastle for the Gunners.