Gary Lineker names 'tricky' fixture that could cost Arsenal the Premier League title

View 2 Images

Arsenal went back to the top of the Premier League table by beating Newcastle on Saturday, but Gary Lineker has warned that tougher tests are still to come. The Gunners edged past Newcastle 1-0 thanks to Eberechi Eze's stunning finish and have the chance to go six points clear of Manchester City when they face Fulham this weekend.

Mikel Arteta's side had seen their lead at the top evaporate after losing two in succession, including against title rivals City. But with City in FA Cup action on the weekend, Arsenal were able to move three points clear, and with their next game coming before their rivals, they can extend that gap even further on Saturday.

The Gunners are 72 per cent favourites to beat City to the title, according to statisticians Opta, largely due to their easier fixtures. They face Fulham, West Ham , Burnley and Crystal Palace , while City have Europe-chasing Everton , Brentford, Bournemouth , Palace and Aston Villa .

However, Lineker has warned Arsenal that the away trip to West Ham on May 10 could trip them up, with the Hammers in form and fighting with Tottenham against relegation.

FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

"Arsenal are just not really creating at the moment and they weren’t like this in the first half of the season," Lineker said on The Rest is Football podcast . "They were so impressive so I don’t know if it’s nerves or a confidence thing but they look so edgy. Of course the result is the most important thing and they managed to get the three points.

"They might go six points ahead of Man City before they play again and Arsenal ’s last four games are very winnable. They have Fulham at home and then West Ham away, now that will be tricky. West Ham are fighting for their lives and playing well at the moment.

"They’ve got pretty much as good a record as almost anyone since the turn of the year so that will be a tough one for Arsenal. Burnley at home, you’d strongly fancy Arsenal to win that one and then obviously Crystal Palace away on the final day of the season.

View 2 Images

HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Arsenal get over the line? Comment below .

"So overall I would say Arsenal have got slightly easier fixtures than Man City but we know that City down the stretch are usually pretty good. I think it’s pretty much 50-50, isn’t it? I would say it’s pretty much 50-50 between Arsenal and Manchester City ."

Arsenal are currently focused on the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. After returning from the Spanish capital, they will then host Fulham, with City not in action again until travelling to Everton next Monday.