Opta Big Match Stats: Arsenal to make fans wait again

Arsene Wenger will be under attack if Arsenal get it wrong

Arsenal won't be ahead at half time against Newcastle, judging by these enlightening Opta trends...

Arsenal v Newcastle
Saturday, 17:30
Live on Sky Sports 1

Match Odds: Arsenal 1.4740/85, Newcastle 8.07/1, The Draw 4.94/1

Arsenal haven't scored in the first half of any of their last six Premier League matches

The Gunners made a magnificent start away to Galatasaray in midweek, leading 3-0 within half an hour, but don't make the mistake of assuming that they will carry that form into the Premier League. They were half-time leaders in three of their four Champions League ties prior to that too, yet have led a mere two of their 15 league games at the interval in 2014/15.

Newcastle by contrast have been behind at the break in just one of their latest seven encounters, giving up only one first-45 goal in that entire period.

Recommended Bet: Lay Arsenal to lead at half time @ 1.9620/21

Olivier Giroud has netted four goals in four Premier League appearances against the Magpies

With Newcastle winning seven of their last nine fixtures and losing just one in ten, not to mention sitting level with Arsenal in sixth, this is a much more significant showdown than it would usually be. How handy for the Londoners then that their proven big-match scorer is healthy again? Giroud has already fired past Man City, Everton and Man United despite enduring an injury-hindered campaign.

Opta have also highlighted the Frenchman's impressive record against their north-east visitors, which includes having converted with all three of his headers on target against the black-and-white-stripe enthusiasts.

Recommended Bet: Back Giroud to score @ 2.26/5

Since the start of 2013/14, Newcastle have received more Premier League red cards than any other side (nine)

Alan Pardew's team were forced to finish with ten men on each of the previous two weekends - both times against capital clubs too - with Moussa Sissoko unable to last the distance at West Ham and Steven Taylor opting to do his bathing early against Chelsea. Arsenal aren't opposed to keeping the referee busy themselves, with Calum Chambers seeing red at Stoke last week after his side had fought back from 0-3 down to a 2-3 deficit.

Recommended Bet: Back there to be a sending off