The Premier League serves up two fascinating encounters following the international break as Newcastle hosts in-form Manchester City on Saturday, then on Sunday the massive North London derby takes centre stage as Arsenal hosts Tottenham in a blockbuster showdown.

Event # 1 – EPL – Newcastle vs Man City – 12:30 PM

Newcastle has endured a difficult start to the season as they find themselves a few points above the drop zone and will host a Red-hot Manchester side that demolished Liverpool 3-0 just before the international break. After winning just one of their opening six matches, Newcastle has won four of their last six matches in all competitions and are on a five-match winning streak at home in all competitions. The Magpies, Newcastle, could count themselves unlucky to have lost at home to Liverpool and Barcelona earlier this season, but could they spring a surprise and upset the more fancied Manchester City? On current form, beating an in-form Man City side seems far-fetched as Newcastle were thrashed 1-3 away at Brentford before the international break and won two and lost three of their last five fixtures, highlighting their inconsistent form.

Man City, on the other hand, have hit top form at the right moment, having won their last five leagues matches in a row, and eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions, including a dominant 3-0 battering handed out to Liverpool prior to the international break. That win over Liverpool pushed City to second in the league, standing just four points behind leaders Arsenal. Worryingly for Newcastle is that Manchester City, and particularly Erling Haaland, has been scoring goals for fun recently, with City scoring at least three goals or more in each of their last four matches. However, City’s form on the road so far isn’t as frightening as their home form, having won twice, drawn once and two defeats from their five matches, and this should provide hope for a Newcastle side that has won five straight matches at home.

Key Stats

•Newcastle – Has won their last five home matches, scoring exactly twice in four of their last five home matches.

•Man City – Has won eight of their last nine Premier League matches but have lost two of their last five away league matches.

•Both sides – Man City is on a four-match winning streak, while Newcastle has scored at least one goal for 11 consecutive matches. City is unbeaten in the last five Premier League matches against Newcastle

The betting Tip. Man City win.

Event # EPL – Arsenal vs Tottenham – 11:30 AM

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur renew their long-standing rivalry at the Emirates on Sunday in what promises to be an enthralling Premier League clash as both teams battle for the right to be labelled as North London’s best team. The Gunners, Arsenal, are currently favourites to win their first league title in over two decades and lead the standing four points ahead of second-placed Man City. However, Arsenal dropped points in their last game before the international break after playing out an exciting 2-2 draw with Sunderland. Meaning, Arsenal conceded a goal for the first time since September, a result that ended the Gunners winning run of five Premier League matches and 10 matches in all competitions.

Tottenham, meanwhile, enter this North London derby off the back of an exciting 2-2 draw against Manchester United in a game that they thought they had won after going up 2-1 in the 91st minute of the game, only for Man United to equalise in the 96th minute. With that said, for Arsenal fans and Tottenham’s alike, the North London derby is more than just a game –it’s about who truly owns North London, a battle in which form, league position, or recent results counts for very little once the whistle blows. It’s famous for it’s drama, goals, and tempers. For Arsenal, a win is vital for their title credentials, extending their lead over Man City, while delivering a psychological blow to their biggest rivals. For Tottenham, a win would mean “North London” is white. More importantly, stopping Arsenal’s momentum could ignite their own season.

Key Stats

•Arsenal – is unbeaten in the last 14 matches in all competitions and they have won five straight home matches in a row.

•Tottenham – has lost six of the last seven Premier League matches against Arsenal.

•Both sides – Tottenham’s last away win against Arsenal was in 2018, Arsenal is unbeaten in the last nine home matches.

The betting Tip. Arsenal win.