Arsenal travels to St James’ Park for a Premier League clash with Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon.
In the last few games, Arsenal have not been their 2023 self. They have succumbed, they have faltered and most importantly they have let the Premier League title almost clinch away from their hands. The team that was seemingly cruising to win the Premier League title has given away 9 points in their last 5 games helping Manchester City in their cause to win the treble.
There are high chances that Newcastle will only make things worse for Arsenal, considering their recent form. The Magpies have won 8 out of their 9 games and are scoring goals for fun. Eddie Howe’s team has scored atleast twice in their last 8 games and we can expect no less against an Arsenal team who is void of their star defender William Saliba.
Head to Head
Both the teams are coming off a convincing 3-1 victory from their last matches; Arsenal against Chelsea thanks to Martin Odegaard’s brace and Newcastle United against Southampton courtesy of a brace from their in-form striker Callum Wilson.
The home team will enter St James’ Park with four back-to-back wins on their soil and with the aim to win their third consecutive game at home against Arsenal which they haven’t yet succeeded to do since 1996.
In the last 5 head to head games, Arsenal have had the upper hand, winning 3 of those and 1 game ending up as a draw. However, in the last two Premier League meetings between the two, Newcastle had won 2-0 at their home last season and dogged Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at Emirates in January.
Team News
Boss Arteta has confirmed that Gunners will still feature without their first-choice defender William Saliba. The manager may even have to start without Gabriel who came off limping in the dying embers against Chelsea. Although his post-match media duties suggest that he may be passed fit before the Sunday encounter.
In the front three for Arsenal, we may see Gabriel Martinelli replacing Leandro Trossard from the last game’s starting eleven and Jakub Kiwior retaining his position at the back.
For Howe, there will be a selection headache between Isak and Callum Wilson after the latter’s super-sub performance against Southampton. We may also see Almiron coming in for Anthony Gordon in the wing.
Predicted Lineups
Newcastle United possible starting lineup: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Almiron.
Arsenal possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus.
