Aubameyang to hit hot form as Gunners travel to Newcastle

Arsenal’s English Premier League campaign begins as they face off against Newcastle United and their new manager Steve Bruce at St James’ Park on Sunday (11pm AEST).

Unai Emery will be hoping to start his second season in charge of the Gunners with a victory [ $1.72 ], while Bruce is eager for a good performance that ends with a win to Newcastle [ $4.20 ] or possibly even just a draw [ $3.75 ] to quell the unrest at the club following the departure of former manager Rafa Benitez.

Last season’s joint Golden Boot winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has shown no signs of slowing down in pre-season, scoring against Barcelona in a friendly with an exquisite finish to give his team the lead. With his form it’s not a surprise to see he is favourite to open the scoring in the match [ $3.75 ].

Aubameyang showed a propensity to convert one goal into two last season, scoring a brace or more on eight occasions, so it might not be a stretch that he scores twice on Sunday [ $5 ].

Arsenal’s defence last season was notorious for conceding unnecessary goals, and with the attack as potent as theirs, there is a high chance of both teams scoring [ $1.67 ]. With goals likely to come frequently on both ends, the over 2.5 goals [ $1.74 ] market looks to be another possible option.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has gone deep into his pockets in the past few weeks with the additions of Hoffenheim's Joelinton and exciting prospect Allan Saint-Maximin from St Etienne. Those two will be Bruce’s best chance of snatching a goal, with Joelinton currently $3.75 for anytime goalscorer while Saint-Maximin is priced at $4.20 .

The signing of Nicolas Pepe for Arsenal gives the team another pacey forward that can get in behind the opponent’s defensive line. On average, he was fouled 2.8 times per game last season and there is a chance that his pace could provide real troubles for Newcastle, especially in the box. There are odds of $2.54 for a penalty conceded by any side with a spot-kick being scored at $3.44 .

Odds correct at the time of publish. Please gamble responsibly. Check out the latest football odds at Sportsbet.