This Saturday, Newcastle United will face Arsenal in an exciting Premier League showdown at St James’ Park. With Arsenal eager to bounce back after two winless games and Newcastle looking for their first league victory since mid-September, fans are in for a thrilling matchup.
The Gunners comes into this game following a mixed string of results. They suffered a disappointing 2-2 draw against Liverpool at home, where they led twice but couldn’t hold onto the advantage.
Earlier, they faced a frustrating loss to Bournemouth after going down to ten men, which saw their position in the title race slip slightly.
Midweek, however, brought positive news for the Gunners. Arsenal defeated Preston North End 3-0 in the Carabao Cup, advancing to the quarterfinals and regaining some momentum.
Now, Mikel Arteta’s squad is hungry for revenge after last season’s controversial loss to Newcastle, when an Anthony Gordon goal helped the Magpies to a narrow victory.
Newcastle United has been struggling to regain their early-season form, with their last Premier League victory dating back to mid-September.
Eddie Howe’s side faced Chelsea twice in recent days: a loss in the league but a morale-boosting 2-0 victory in the Carabao Cup, which may help lift their spirits for this clash against Arsenal.
Playing in front of their home crowd at St James’ Park will give Newcastle a significant boost, but they’ll need to overcome several squad injuries. The team will look to the fervent support of their fans to energize their gameplay, aiming to end their league win drought.
RECOMMENDED:
Head-to-Head Record: A Close Contest
In their last five Premier League encounters, Newcastle and Arsenal each have two wins, with one draw between them.
Arsenal’s last visit to St James’ Park saw a tight contest that ended in Newcastle’s favor. This time, Arteta and his team are more motivated to come away with all three points, knowing that they need to keep pace with title contenders Manchester City and Liverpool.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Newcastle Team News:
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe faces multiple injury setbacks. Although Anthony Gordon made a return against Chelsea midweek, other players remain sidelined, including Jacob Murphy with a hamstring issue, and Alexander Isak, who limped off midweek but may still feature on Saturday.
Defenders Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and Kieran Trippier are all ruled out, adding further pressure on Newcastle’s backline. Matt Targett is also absent due to illness, and Callum Wilson will be unavailable until after the international break.
Newcastle’s Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):
Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Barnes.
Arsenal Team News:
The gunners will be happy to see defender Gabriel likely returning after a knee scare during last week’s match against Liverpool. His presence, along with that of William Saliba—back from suspension—should strengthen Arsenal’s defense.
However, Arteta may have to make adjustments if Ben White, who struggled last weekend, is deemed unfit. Other long-term absentees include Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, and Riccardo Calafiori. Arsenal fans also await the return of Martin Odegaard, though he may only be fit to play in next week’s Champions League game.
Arsenal’s Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz.
Key Players to Watch
- Anthony Gordon (Newcastle): After scoring the decisive goal in their previous encounter, Gordon’s pace and skill on the ball will be essential if Newcastle hopes to breach Arsenal’s defense. His return adds a valuable edge to the Magpies’ attack.
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Arsenal’s young star has been in fine form, creating chances and providing a consistent threat on the wings. His chemistry with Martinelli and Trossard in attack could pose serious problems for Newcastle.
- Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle): In midfield, Guimaraes offers creativity and defensive grit. His ability to control the pace of play will be crucial as Newcastle looks to compete against Arsenal’s robust midfield.
Prediction: Newcastle vs Arsenal
Arsenal may have an edge due to their deeper squad and slightly better form coming into this game. They rested more first-team players midweek, allowing some of their stars to be in top condition for the weekend clash. Despite the difficulties Newcastle might present at St James’ Park, Arsenal’s more cohesive squad and talent up front could allow them to exploit Newcastle’s defensive injuries.
Newcastle’s home advantage will make this an intense and closely contested match, but Arsenal’s resilience and attacking firepower might just secure them the win they need to keep pace in the title race.
Score Prediction:
Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
How to Watch the Game
UK:
- TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App
US:
- fuboTV, NBC Sports App, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, UNIVERSO
Canada:
- fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada
