Newcastle United welcome Arsenal at St James’ Park on Saturday evening as they both return from a contrasting evenings in the EFL Cup.
Match Preview
Saturday’s Premier League action is highlighted by a massive encounter between the Magpies and unbeaten Arsenal on Tyneside.
While the Gunners will see a trip to St James’ Park as one of the toughest tests of their title credentials, Eddie Howe’s squad is beginning to weaken as the Magpies strive to contend on several fronts.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will be happy that a much-changed side thrashed Manchester United in the EFL Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Though some feel Newcastle United’s focus in the UEFA Champions League is taking a toll on the team, the Magpies have continued to impress in attack.
The hosts are more than capable of disrupting Arsenal’s title hopes while boosting their own, as they have won their last three Premier League home games without conceding, regaining the defensive nous that made them a force to be reckoned with in 2022-23.
Newcastle vs Arsenal Team News
Newcastle’s Old Trafford courage are all the more impressive when you look at Howe’s team selection, as the Magpies rested numerous regular players amid their growing injury list.
Targett is the latest addition to the hosts’ long list of injured players, which also includes Sandro Tonali’s ban, Javier Manquillo (groin), Lewis Miley (illness), Alexander Isak (groin), Sven Botman (knee), Elliot Anderson (back), Jacob Murphy (shoulder), and Harvey Barnes (foot).
When it comes to midweek injuries, Arteta shares Newcastle United’s boss’ plight as the Gunners lost Emile Smith Rowe to a new knee issue prior to their loss to West Ham, and he has been sidelined for several weeks.
Both Thomas Partey (muscle) and Gabriel Jesus (hamstring) may not return to the Arsenal squad before the end of November or the start of December, and Jurrien Timber is still on recovery process from his ACL injury and are all out for the game against Newcastle United.
Head-To-Head
With eight wins from their previous ten Premier League encounters against the Magpies (one draw and one loss), Arsenal has recently proved to be Newcastle’s nemesis in the league.
Eight of those games against the Gunners, including both of their Premier League encounters the previous season, saw Newcastle failing to score against Arsenal.
Their last meeting at St. James’ Park in May ended in a 2-0 loss to Arsenal after a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium in January.
Probable Line-Up
Newcastle United probable starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Gordon
Arsenal probable starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Newcastle vs Arsenal Prediction
Though the Magpies thrashed United 3-0 in the EFL Cup and showed they were a good team despite injuries, Arsenal are the favorites to win this encounter.
Arsenal also fell 3-1 to West Ham in the EFL Cup, but have enjoyed an unbeaten run in the Premier League this season.
We at Futballnews are predicting that Mikel Arteta’s men will beat Newcastle United 2-0.
