Newcastle vs Arsenal preview: Huge chance for Gunners to make statement

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Arsenal can make a huge statement in the title race with a win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday evening.

We head into the game off the back of a hugely disappointing performance in the EFL Cup. Despite dominating possession for much of the game, Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances and fell behind to a Ben White own goal. Mohammed Kudus then doubled West Ham’s lead with a fine finish before Jarrod Bowen sealed their win in the 60th minute – although Aaron Ramsdale should certainly have done better to keep it out. Martin Odegaard scored a late consolation but Arsenal crashed out 3-1 following our second defeat of the season in all competitions.

Mikel Arteta will be bitterly disappointed to go out of a cup competition so early, but it means we can fully focus on the three remaining competitions we’ll compete for this season. The Premier League title should be a priority after going so close last year, and Arsenal can show our rivals we mean business with a win at St James’ Park this weekend.

The Gunners head into the game off the back of a resounding 5-0 victory over Sheffield United last time out in the Premier League. Eddie Nketiah was the hero as he scored a fine hat-trick at the Emirates Stadium to ensure Arsenal got back to winning ways after drawing 2-2 at Chelsea the previous week following the international break. We’ve already beaten Man City and Man Utd this season so we know we can win against our nearest rivals. However, both those victories came at the Emirates so Arteta’s men need to show they can do the business away from home.

St James’ Park has become one of the toughest grounds to visit in the league so this is going to be an extremely difficult game. Arsenal claimed all three points away to Newcastle non our last visit after beating them back in April so that should give the players some confidence.

However, the Magpies should be high on confidence themselves after an impressive 3-0 win at Man Utd in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night. They were excellent at Old Trafford and fully deserved their win so Eddie Howe’s side will be looking to build some momentum with a positive result over the Gunners this weekend.

Last time out in the league, Newcastle were held to a 2-2 draw at Wolves and they’ve not been as formidable at home compared to last season. Aston Villa and Chelsea both took a point away to the Magpies while 10-men Liverpool claimed an unlikely victory so Arsenal will be quietly confident of getting something from this game.

How to watch

This game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, kicking off at 5.30pm on Saturday evening. Subscribers can follow all the action on their sky box or via the Sky Go app on mobile or tablet devices.

Tickets through official club channels were snapped up weeks ago but fans can still buy sold-out Arsenal tickets at reputable reseller sites such as Seatsnet.com.

Team news

Arsenal will be without Gabriel Jesus as the Brazilian international is expected to be out until after the November international break. Jesus picked up a hamstring injury late last month and could miss Arsenal’s next four games in all competitions, which is a big blow.

Thomas Partey is also facing another spell on the sidelines after suffering a fresh injury setback. The midfielder picked up a muscle injury in training and could be out for several weeks.

Arsenal have been dealt another blow with the news that Emile Smith Rowe is set to miss at least four weeks. The injury plagued attacker has endured a torrid time with injuries over the past year and only recently made his long awaited return to full fitness. However, a fresh knee injury will now keep him on the treatment table into December.

Jurrien Timber is facing a battle to play again this season after suffering a serious ACL injury on the opening weekend of the season.

Newcastle have their own injury concerns to worry about. Alexander Isak is still out with a groin injury while Sven Botman is still recovering from a knee problem. Matt Targett is facing weeks on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in midweek.

Javier Manquillo is out with a groin problem, while Lewis Miley, Elliot Anderson, Jacob Murphy and Harvey Barnes are also unavailable. Sandro Tonali is another absentee for Newcastle due to his ban following break betting rules.

Predicted line-ups

Arteta should recall some of his big guns who were rested in midweek. Ramsdale didn’t take his chance to stake a claim for the No.1 shirt after a poor display against West Ham. Therefore, David Raya will regain the gloves between the sticks.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is expected to start at left-back due to his defensive solidity. Oleksandr Zinchenko could therefore drop to the bench. Ben White and Gabriel Magalhaes should keep their places in the starting eleven. William Saliba is certain to be recalled after being given a breather on Wednesday night. Jacub Kiwior will be the man to make way.

Declan Rice will come back in to start in Arsenal’s midfield after being on the bench against his former team in midweek. Martin Odegaard will also be recalled after coming on to score a late goal at the London Stadium. Odegaard has been nursing a hip injury recently but should be fit to start.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will also be recalled to start alongside Nketiah in attack. With Partey out, Jorginho could keep his place in midfield – although Kai Havertz is an option if Arteta wants to play Rice in a deeper defensive midfield role.

Likely Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli

Likely Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Lascelles, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Gordon

Prediction

This is going to be an interesting game as Newcastle have been tough to beat at home while Arsenal have been excellent on the road this season. I can’t see this being an open game and goals will probably be at a premium, so fine margins will determine the outcome.

If we play well and cut out silly mistakes at the back, Arsenal could snatch all three points. However, I have a feeling we’ll have to settle for a draw – which wouldn’t be a terrible result. Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal

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