In a much-anticipated Premier League clash, Newcastle United and Arsenal are set to face off at St James’ Park, following their contrasting EFL Cup experiences.
While the Magpies secured an impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester United, Arsenal’s run came to an end with a 3-1 defeat to West Ham United in the fourth round.
Match Preview
Newcastle’s recent triumph against Manchester United was a far cry from their EFL Cup final defeat earlier in the year, where they ended their six-year trophy drought.
Their inspired performance, led by Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall, and Joe Willock, marked a significant victory for the Magpies, ending a two-game winless streak.
Eddie Howe’s team currently stands sixth in the Premier League with 17 points after 10 matches.
However, they face stiff competition for a Champions League spot from teams like Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Aston Villa.
Newcastle’s impressive defensive record at home, where they have won their last three Premier League games without conceding, makes them formidable opponents for Arsenal.
The Gunners are still in pursuit of an EFL Cup title, but their recent loss to West Ham in the competition halted their progress.
Despite the setback in the EFL Cup, Arsenal remains a strong contender in the Premier League, sitting second in the standings.
With only two goals conceded on the road this season, they boast the best defensive record in the league.
Their previous encounter with Newcastle ended in a 2-0 victory at St James’ Park. The Magpies’ defensive tactics earned them a goalless draw against Arsenal in a previous fixture.
Newcastle United Premier League form: W W W D W D
Newcastle United form (all competitions): W D W L D W
Arsenal Premier League form: W D W W D W
Arsenal form (all competitions): L W D W W L
Team News
Newcastle’s success against Manchester United was remarkable given their growing injury list.
Several regular starters were rested, including Matt Targett, who suffered a hamstring injury after just five minutes on Wednesday. He is expected to be replaced by Dan Burn.
Other absentees for Newcastle include Javier Manquillo, Lewis Miley, Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, and the banned Sandro Tonali.
Joe Willock, despite his recent fine performance, is likely to be sidelined due to fitness issues.
Newcastle will see the return of key players like Bruno Guimaraes, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, Almiron, and Wilson to the starting lineup.
Arsenal, too, has faced midweek injuries, with Emile Smith Rowe ruled out for several weeks due to a knee problem.
Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus are expected to be unavailable until late November or early December.
Jurrien Timber is still on the road to recovery from his ACL injury.
The return of players like Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Declan Rice, and William Saliba will be a boost for Arsenal.
David Raya will take over the goalkeeper position from Aaron Ramsdale.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Newcastle United:
- Pope;
- Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn;
- Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton;
- Almiron, Wilson, Gordon
Arsenal:
- Raya;
- White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu;
- Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice;
- Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Prediction:
As both teams welcome back key players, this clash promises to be an exciting encounter. With Newcastle’s strong defense at home and Arsenal’s impressive away record, we predict a low-scoring draw that will maintain Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Premier League.
- Our prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Arsenal