Newcastle United will face Arsenal in the Premier League today.
Newcastle will kick off their 2019-20 Premier League campaign against Arsenal at St. James’ Park this afternoon.
Former Arsenal forward Nicholas believes that the Gunners will pick up all three points from the encounter courtesy of a 3-1 win.
Nicholas has also predicted that the Magpies will be more adventurous and attack-minded under new manager Steve Bruce.
Bruce is now the manager of Newcastle, having replaced Rafael Benitez, who left at the end of last season.
Nicholas wrote on Skysports.com: “Steve Bruce is just through the door at Newcastle. Jacob Murphy is going away from St James’ Park and they have made some interesting new signings.
“He is not Rafa Benitez and he will not play as cautious as him. I see both teams scoring, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette ushering in the new season with a goal apiece.”
A footnote added: “CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-3.”
Win for Newcastle United?
Arsenal have a much better team than Newcastle do, and the Gunners will be favourites for the game.
However, the Magpies will have home advantage, and with a strong support behind them, they will be confident of at least picking up a point.
Meanwhile, former Arsenal star Paul Merson has given his take on the Gunners signing David Luiz – who can operate as a defender or as a defensive midfielder – from Premier League rivals Chelsea in the summer transfer window.
Merson wrote in The Daily Star: “If Arsenal find some consistency, it’s theirs to take. I’d be shocked if Luiz majorly improves their defending.
“But he will make them entertaining. He will make mistakes. But he also has a sweet diagonal ball in him, and he can pick a pass when he wants to.
“It’s his concentration levels that worry me. He likes to come and win it, but then he gets lost in a daze sometimes and doesn’t get back quick enough.
“I actually like him as a central midfielder. He can pass it and if he loses concentration it’s not so costly.”
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