Newcastle United vs Arsenal preview
The Premier League title race right now looks to be one of the most competitive leagues, with the top five teams separated by just three points. The gap between fifth and sixth is five points, though, and it is here that the inconsistency of Newcastle United have come back to haunt them. The Magpies have delivered some breathtaking performances, such as the 8-0 demolition of Sheffield United, the 4-1 routing of Paris Saint Germain in the Champions League, and the 3-0 away win to Manchester United.
However, for every brilliant person, there is the 2-1 defeat against 10-men Liverpool and the home loss to Borussia Dortmund. And it is under such inconsistency that Eddie Howe’s men welcome Arsenal to St. James Park.
After taking charge of the club, Howe has transformed the club. And he has done this while not investing a considerable amount to entirely change the squad’s face. In fact, at least half of his strongest 11 were at the club even before the change in ownership.
Newcastle United have played like a complete team, not overly dependent on a single player, which is what Howe’s vision was for the club. Moreover, after losing three games on the trot, the Magpies have gone on a six-game unbeaten streak (four wins, two draws). This has undoubtedly increased the squad’s confidence, which they need to close the gap to the top four.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have continued from where they left last season, playing an attacking brand of football that got them a second-place finish last season. Mikel Arteta has also improved the squad depth with some key additions in the transfer window.
The Gunners are currently the only team apart from Tottenham Hotspur to remain undefeated in the league. In fact, two of their three draws came against league leaders Tottenham and away to Chelsea.
Arteta’s men have also won two of their opening three games in the Champions League to consolidate a solid position to qualify for the round of 16. With Tottenham also playing Chelsea at the weekend, Arsenal know there could be a chance to pip their city rivals to the top spot.
Newcastle United vs Arsenal lineups
Newcastle United lineup
Newcastle United are coming off an impressive 3-0 win away to Manchester United, where they rested several starters. However, despite this win, Howe will recall several of his first-teamers against the Gunners. However, with Javier Manquillo, Lewis Miley, Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy, and Harvey Barnes all suffering from injuries, Howe will still rely on his bench strength.
So, players like Joelinton and Sean Longstaff will keep their place as Miguel Almiron, Bruno Guimaraes, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier, and Callum Wilson will return for the game.
Newcastle United predicted lineup: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Gordon
Arsenal lineup
Arteta will also be without the services of Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, and Jurrien Timber but have adequate bench strength to account for their absence. Pope had a night to forget against West Ham United, which means David Raya will be beach in goals behind a back four of Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice will return to partner Jorginho in the midfield. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Eddie Nketiah will form the attacking triumvirate.
Arsenal predicted lineup: Raya; White, Gabriel, Saliba, Tomiyasu; Rice, Jorginho, Ødegaard; Martinelli, Nketiah, Saka
Newcastle United vs Arsenal predictions
With the rise in quality teams in the Premier League, we are getting to witness at least one high-profile clash every week. So, any team with the aspirations to become champions or even finish in the top four will need to be their best for a longer period of time to achieve their objectives come the end of the season.
And both Arsenal and Newcastle United want to be among those teams. While Newcastle are looking for back-to-back top-four finishes, Arsenal certainly want the Premier League title, especially after their exploits the previous season.
However, both teams know the importance of the game and will try to play at their best. This could mean we see no winner when the final whistle is blown.
FootTheBall predicts a 1-1 draw.
