4/7 Gunners target third spot

Arsenal boss Unai Emery is urging his players to carry on making progress as they look to jump to third place in the Premier League this evening (Arsenal 4/7 for top-four finish).

The Gunners entertain Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium, knowing three points will see them jump above Manchester United and Tottenham in the race for the top four.

Emery is happy with the progress that Arsenal have made since he took over from Arsene Wenger in the summer, and sees tonight’s game as another chance to move forward (Arsenal 2/5, Draw 4/1, Newcastle 8/1 – match betting).

“Each match gives us the possibility to progress,” he said. “First is in the table, second is improving as a team, in our system, tactically and individually.

“I want to be better each match, and I think each player can progress. Each player can show us he is improving.

“In the table, our objective is very clear – to be in the top four. But we know this is difficult and each possibility like Monday is good. It gives us confidence for the challenge.”

Lucas Torreira will again be missing through suspension, while fellow central midfielders Granit Xhaka and Aaron Ramsey also face late fitness tests.
The latter is expected to be available for selection, as is Nacho Monreal, who has recovered from a minor injury.

For Newcastle, who sit seven points above the relegation places, Fabian Schar completes a two-match suspension, but Jamaal Lascelles has recovered from a knee problem and is set to return.

Miguel Almiron will start and is still looking for his first goal since arriving in the January window, but boss Rafael Benitez insists there is no pressure on the midfielder (Newcastle 1-0, Almiron to score, 225/1).

“He is doing OK. I do not see any anxiety just because he is not scoring. He is fine,” the Spaniard said.

Odds subject to change.