Arsenal suffered a surprise 1-0 loss at Porto on Wednesday night in what was one of the worst performances under Mikel Arteta.

They'll have little time to reflect on the match though as attention now turns back to the Premier League title race, where the Gunners can close the gap to leaders Liverpool to just two points.

To do that, they'll have to beat Newcastle at home on Saturday night - easier said than done, with Arsenal winning just one of their last four games against the Magpies, failing to score in the other three.

While they've not been in as good form as last season, Eddie Howe's side are still an impressive eighth in the table and won the reverse fixture back in November, albeit in controversial circumstances.

But Merson can only see the match going one way, citing Arsenal recent goal scoring heroics and Newcastle's awful defensive record.

The Gunners legend told Sportskeeda: 'Arsenal suffered a big blow last night. They last won a European trophy 30 years ago. It just shows you how hard European competitions really are - you need the experience.

'I don't think their European setback will affect Arsenal this weekend. Newcastle have been inconsistent recently but have managed to remain unbeaten in their last five matches.

'They're scoring goals, but they're conceding far too many goals as well. They cannot go to Arsenal this weekend and defend like that - they'll get destroyed.

More Trending Porto coach hits back at Mikel Arteta tactics criticism after Arsenal defeat

'Bukayo Saka could have a field day in this fixture, and I expect Arsenal to win this game comfortably. Prediction: Arsenal 3 - 1 Newcastle United.'

Arsenal have won all five of their league games in 2024 by a combined score of 21-2, while Newcastle have let in 19 goals in just their last seven matches.

Saka has been especially prolific, finding the back of the net seven times in the last six games and he now has 12 in the league this season - only Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah, Dominic Solanke and Ollie Watkins have more.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE : Liverpool decide on preferred back-up option if Xabi Alonso picks Bayern Munich

MORE : Newcastle receive double injury boost as duo return to training ahead of Arsenal showdown

MORE : Liverpool rejected Chelsea approach for Darwin Nunez last summer

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.