Arsenal’s second place in the Premier League is still in their hands as they host Newcastle United at the Emirates. They need not to lose to stay in second, while Newcastle can leapfrog Arsenal with a win.
Match Preview
Arsenal have been poor recently, one win in their last six league games, but the draw at Anfield last weekend kept them second. Newcastle are two points behind Arsenal and can move into second with a win. Both teams want Champions League football, Arsenal’s spot is almost guaranteed with a win, while Newcastle need points to hold off the teams below them in the top four.
Team News & Lineups
Arsenal
- Mikel Merino is suspended after his red card against Liverpool.
- Leandro Trossard (hamstring) is a doubt but could play; Kai Havertz is back in training and might be on the bench.
- Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are back in training and might play.
- Probable lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Newcastle United
- Eddie Howe will play a back three due to defensive absentees, with Sven Botman a doubt.
- Emile Krafth could start alongside Fabian Schar and Dan Burn if Botman is out.
- Jacob Murphy and Valentino Livramento will be the wing-backs, with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon supporting Alexander Isak up front.
- Probable lineup (3-4-2-1): Pope; Krafth, Schar, Burn; Murphy, Tonali, Guimaraes, Livramento; Barnes, Gordon; Isak
Tactical Overview
Newcastle have had success against Arsenal by playing direct and sacrificing possession, using long passes to bypass Arsenal’s press and relying on a low defensive block to frustrate Arteta’s team. In their three meetings this season, Newcastle have kept Arsenal scoreless, winning all three (one league, two EFL Cup semi-finals).
Howe’s tactic has been to block central passing lanes, force Arsenal wide and defend crosses with numbers.Arsenal will look to control the game and use their wide players Saka and Martinelli to stretch Newcastle’s defence. The midfield battle will be key with Rice and Partey up against Tonali and Guimaraes.
Stats
- Arsenal are unbeaten in 24 of their last 26 Premier League games but have only one win in their last six.
- Newcastle have kept a clean sheet in six of their last eight against Arsenal in all competitions.
- Newcastle have beaten Arsenal in all three meetings this season.
- Jacob Murphy has 12 Premier League assists this season, the most by a Newcastle player since Nolberto Solano in 1999/00.
- Alexander Isak has 23 Premier League goals this season, second only to Mohamed Salah and has scored in each of his last four games against Arsenal.
Player to Watch
Alexander Isak (Newcastle United)
He’s been a thorn in Arsenal’s side all season, scoring twice in three meetings and directly involved in the winner in the reverse league game. His form and movement will be key to Newcastle’s chances of an upset.
Arsenal vs Newcastle Prediction
Arsenal’s home advantage and need to get second will drive them on but Newcastle’s recent record and set up against the Gunners will get them a result. It’ll be a tight one.
Arsenal 2-2 Newcastle United
A draw will keep Arsenal in control of second going into the last game, Newcastle will stay in the Champions League hunt.
Arsenal vs Newcastle Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247
