Lines, stats and checks first as the edgy Gunners look to re-establish a three-point lead
Arsenal hit the buffers last month but have a good chance of getting three points back at the top of the Premier League tomorrow.
The Gunners went into the international break in March after losing the EFL Cup final to Manchester City but still hold a nine-point lead over Pep Guardiola’s side in the title race.
Since then, they have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Southampton – who face City at Wembley tomorrow in the semi-finals – and have seen their advantage in the top flight disappear.
City’s win at Burnley in midweek took them top of the table but their stay at the top could be short-lived as Arsenal face a disappointing Newcastle side tomorrow.
The pressure continues to mount on manager Eddie Howe as his side have lost their last four games in all competitions.
Newcastle’s rebuilding of the summer last year failed to reap rewards as the likes of Nick Woltemade, Yoane Wissa, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey – who cost more than £200million between them – failed to make much of an impact.
There may be chaos at the end of this season as there are some strong players who may move on, including Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali.
“We always look at the team and try to do tests and judge the future,” said Howe. “That’s natural. Yes, if the team is not playing there will be bigger changes in the summer than before. You have to respond to what you see. That goes on, every week, every day behind the scenes.
“I think the players will expect that, there is a responsibility to try to do your best, that is on me and to give the players and the staff the best. It fits the environment.”
Newcastle start the weekend on the 14th with Howe viewing the trip to the Emirates as a freebie.
“Of course it’s our chance because the next game is always an opportunity to prove ourselves and, the most important thing for us, is that we owe it to everyone at the club, for us to give everything we have to try to get a result, as we did recently at Chelsea,” he added. “There’s a lot we can take from that game, in terms of our attitude, the way we played and the spirit and togetherness we showed.
“If you run hard it can seem like you’ve been in it for a long time, maybe with the international break, the big gap we had between games, it feels like that to us. We have to go into the games we worked well in.”
Arsenal v Newcastle team news
Arsenal played well against City last weekend and would have got a deserved point had it not been for the poor finish. Manager Mikel Arteta is likely to go with the same XI, although Jurrien Timber and Bukayo Saka could make the bench if they can show their fitness.
Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes is set to return to the starting line-up after coming off the bench in last Saturday’s defeat to Bournemouth. Gordon is suspended, as is Tino Livramento.
Arsenal v Newcastle predicted lineup
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Odegaard, Eze; Havertz
Newcastle: Ramsdale; Miley, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Ramsey; Sun, Barnes, Osula
Where to watch Arsenal v Newcastle: TV and online streaming
Arsenal and Newcastle kick off at 5.30pm tomorrow afternoon. You can watch it on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event. It can be streamed on Sky Go.
If you’re watching from outside the UK, click HERE for details of channels showing the game in your area.
Arsenal v Newcastle stats
- Arsenal have not conceded in four of their last six home games against Newcastle United
- Newcastle have not won against Arsenal in their last 13 attempts in the Premier League
- Arsenal have not lost three Premier League games in a row since 2022
- Arsenal have lost four of their last six games in all competitions, over their last 52 matches combined
Arsenal v Newcastle prediction
Newcastle look the perfect match for an Arsenal side lacking in confidence and form.
If the Gunners can repeat their games with City last week, that will be enough to clear the top again.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Newcastle
