Arsenal head to Newcastle United on Sunday as the Gunners seek to keep pace with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League. The encounter will see two of the meanest defences in the league battle it out in what is arguably the standout fixture from England’s top-flight this weekend.
After last week’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, the Gunners could find themselves eight points behind league leaders Liverpool come kick-off, thus highlighting the importance of a win.
That will be easier said than done as Mikel Arteta’s side are coming up against a Newcastle team that have proven difficult to break down in the Premier League so far this season, conceding just three goals.
The Gunners did not find it easy up against Eddie Howe’s side last season, beaten on Tyneside in November in the league and losing home and away in the Carabao Cup semi-final, but even at this ridiculously early stage of the season, Mikel Arteta’s side dare not drop more points should Liverpool get the win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Though, Eddie Howe is still searching for the right formula in attack following the departure of Alexander Isak in the summer and will hope the four goals scored in midweek against Bradford is a sign of things to come.
Team News
Softfootball understands that Newcastle can welcome Anthony Gordon back after the England international served a three-game domestic suspension for his red card in the loss to Liverpool last month.
The forward will bolster the home side’s attacking options especially with Deadline Day signing Yoane Wissa still sidelined with a knee injury sustained on international duty.
Howe has rotated heavily in the past two games but is expected to hand starts to the likes of Nick Pope, Sandro Tonali, Nick Woltemade and Valentino Liveramento, while Joe Willock is pushing to feature against his former club.
Arsenal’s injury crisis has deepened with conformation that Noni Madueke is set to miss a number of weeks with a knee injury sustained in the 1-1 draw with Man City, and Arteta has confirmed that the scan hasn’t yet taken place on the England international’s injury as senn on the club official website.
The winger joins Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz on the sidelines, though Bukayo Saka is fine despite being on the receiving end of a heavy tackle in the Carabao Cup win over Port Vale.
Eberechi Eze is expected to start having contributed a goal and an assist on his last two appearances, while Martin Odegaard could be available for selection after missing the last three games with a shoulder problem.
Possible Lineups
Newcastle United Predicted lineup: Pope, Thiaw, Botman, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Miley, Hall, Murphy, Willock, Woltemade
Arsenal Predicted lineup: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Magalhães, Eze, Merino, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard
SoftFootball’s Prediction
Arsenal haven’t had much joy in their recent trips to St James’ Park. In fact, they haven’t scored on their last three visits, something that will have to change if they’re to avoid losing more ground on Liverpool.
Newcastle’s struggles in front of goal at the moment may play into the Gunners’ favour and we think a cagey affair will be settled by one moment of magic. Arsenal to win.
