Newcastle played well enough at The Emirates on Monday night to suggest they still have plenty to offer this season and look attractively priced to beat Norwich this weekend.
A last-gasp Thomas Vermaelen strike handed the Gunners all three points in North London, rallying for the fourth straight game from a goal down in the Premier League, but Newcastle played their part in what was a very entertaining game and should bounce back in style.
Despite large periods without the ball Newcastle carried plenty of threat going forward and Hatem Ben Arfa’s opener against Arsenal reminded everybody of the class he possesses.
Arfa linked up well with Demba Ba once again and that pair, in front of what is a very capable midfield quartet, should be able to cause Norwich plenty of trouble.
Alan Pardew deserves an enormous amount of credit for Newcastle’s terrific campaign and a top-seven finish would be an excellent achievement. They are winless in four, but Norwich were poor at home to Wigan on Sunday and look there for the taking to me.
Unbeaten in six matches in front of their owns fans since a 3-2 loss to West Brom late in 2011, Newcastle host a Norwich side that have enjoyed a terrific campaign under Paul Lambert but scoring goals has suddenly become a problem and they have been beaten at Sunderland Stoke in the last month on their travels.
This should be an entertaining clash, both sides play the game on the deck, but Newcastle still have one eye on a Europa League place and Newcastle’s class is taken to prevail.
I have Newcastle closer to the 1.60 mark than the 1.83 readily available and am expecting the money to come for the hosts in Sunday’s televised match.
2pts Back Newcastle (vs. Norwich) @ 1.83