Soccer: Miller sees money when viewing Arsenal vs. Newcastle United

There are very few top flight matches Monday, before a chaotic week of fixtures all across Europe.

Next week is when he fun really begins, especially for the Premier League teams. All of the top six will be in action across Europe: four teams in the UEFA Champions League, and two others in the UEFA Europa League.

But before the teams get their glamor ties, they have a lot to do at home. The race for the title, and for the top four, is about as close as any season in the last decade.

Take one look at the battle for the top four, which guarantees lucrative Champions League play next season, and it is mind boggling just how close the battle is. Before Arsenal’s home match Monday with Newcastle United, third through sixth is separated by just one point. With a win, the Gunners (60 points) would leap frog Tottenham (61 points) and Manchester United (61 points) into third, with seven matches to go.

The question is, will Arsenal take advantage of its opportunity Monday, before the other three teams in the battle (Chelsea sits on 60 points in sixth) take to the pitches Tuesday and Wednesday in crucial battles?

Arsenal has owned the Magpies. The Gunners have won 16 of the last 18 matches against Newcastle, with one draw. The lone win for Newcastle stretching back a long time was last April, 2-1 at home. Newcastle has been able to score some goals of late, and could all but guarantee safety with a win. Three points would put the Magpies 10 points ahead of Cardiff City with just 21 points left for which to play.

But it is all there for Arsenal at the Emirates; with two tricky away matches coming up (Everton on Sunday, Watford on the 13th), the Gunners will need to get all three points to ensure they do not fall behind in the top four race.

PREMIER LEAGUE
Arsenal (-275) vs. Newcastle United (+750), draw (+400), 3 p.m. (NBC Sports and Fubo.tv)
THE PICK: Arsenal ML (-275)