Arsenal is trailing and urgently needs three points from St. James’ Park.
Premier League: Another Tough Test for Arsenal
Arsenal led 1-0 and 2-1 but ultimately had to settle for a single point in last weekend's top clash against Liverpool in London. Mikel Arteta was likely satisfied given the injury issues. Team captain Martin Ødegaard remained sidelined, but it was the defense that suffered most—without William Saliba and Riccardo Calafiori, and eventually also center-back Gabriel.
Saliba returns this weekend, and Gabriel is also expected to be ready. A strong defense could be crucial at St. James’ Park, despite the home side’s own injury woes and lack of strong form. In front of their enthusiastic fans, Newcastle rarely loses at home, especially not two in a row.
Both with Recent Wins Under Their Belts
Both Newcastle and Arsenal come into the weekend’s battle with recent wins. The home side reached the League Cup quarter-finals with a victory over a weakened Chelsea, while The Gunners secured their place with a straightforward 3-0 win over Preston North End. The key takeaway from that game was Gabriel Jesus ending his nine-month goal drought. Still, keeping pace in the Premier League is far more crucial, and the game plan will be to keep a clean sheet.
In four of their last five league matches, The Gunners have conceded two goals, allowing nine in total over five games—the same number they conceded over the previous 18 games. Arteta acknowledges it will be a serious challenge on Saturday. “Newcastle has a very good team with a strong manager, and we know it's intense and loud at their stadium,” Arteta told the English press ahead of Saturday’s game.
Five Without a Win
Though Arsenal is struggling, the capital side is still in a better position than Newcastle. Following back-to-back losses against Brighton and Chelsea, Eddie Howe’s squad has now gone five games without a win, landing them in the lower half of the table heading into the weekend. In last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Brighton, Newcastle had plenty of scoring opportunities but couldn’t find the net. The last time Newcastle failed to score in consecutive home games was back in February 2020.
David Raya and the Arsenal defense will likely be tested, especially with Anthony Gordon now cleared to partner up front with Alexander Isak. However, Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Callum Wilson won’t be able to help Newcastle replicate last season's 1-0 win against Arsenal on Saturday.
Newcastle vs. Arsenal
The home team will be without Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Callum Wilson, but Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Alexander Isak are expected to be available. Newcastle claimed ten out of the first twelve possible points this season but has since managed only two out of a possible fifteen. They have won two of their last three home matches against Arsenal.
Arsenal is one win away from reaching 2,000 top-flight victories, a milestone only Liverpool has previously surpassed. After eight straight Premier League wins, Arsenal has now dropped points in four of their last seven games. Martin Ødegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are ruled out for Saturday’s match, while defenders Ben White and Gabriel remain doubtful.
Betting Tips
Newcastle vs. Arsenal
St. James’ Park, Saturday 1:30 PM
Two teams hungry for a win, and we expect Arsenal will have to dig deep to get anything out of this match. Newcastle is usually strong at home, having won 1-0 in the corresponding fixture last season. Tempted by the appealing odds, we are going for Newcastle – draw no bet.
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