Arsenal’s grip on the Premier League title has slipped and no-one looks more frustrated at another potential failure than Declan Rice. The England international is a natural leader and will look to set the tone for this game by flying into challenges, as he’s done so lots this season for an average of 0.72 infringements per 90. Rice made two fouls as part of an aggressive press against Man City last time out and with that being the Gunners best performance in months, Arteta may well opt for a similar approach.
Newcastle’s midfield is full of players who are masters at forcing late contact, none more so than the returning Bruno Guimaraes who is one of the most regularly fouled players in the Premier League. Across the Magpies last nine games in all competitions, opposition central midfielders have combined for 32 fouls and a frustrated Rice looks nicely priced to add to that number as he has done in three of the last four head-to-heads.
