Newcastle v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Newcastle face Arsenal The Magpies have earned just two points from their last five league matches, while the Gunners are winless in two EPL fixtures. Newcastle have won two of their last three matches against Arsenal at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle Form

Eddie Howe’s side have managed just two wins in their last seven matches across all competitions. In the league, they’ve lost three and drawn two of their last five fixtures, with both victories coming in the Carabao Cup. A 3-1 loss at Fulham (allowing 2.29 xG) was followed by a solid 1-1 home draw against Man City.

A 0-0 draw at Everton saw Newcastle miss a penalty, and they suffered a 1-0 home defeat to Brighton despite creating 2.02 xG from 21 shots. A 2-1 league loss at Chelsea was followed by a 2-0 home win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, though they allowed 17 shots and 1.97 xG in a fortunate victory.

Newcastle Team News

Newcastle rotated their squad in midweek. Dan Burn, Tino Livramento, and Bruno Guimaraes are all expected to return to the starting XI, while Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman, and Jamaal Lascelles are out due to injuries.

Callum Wilson’s return from injury has been delayed, and Alexander Isak remains a slight doubt, though he should be fit to start. Eddie Howe’s key decisions will be in midfield, where Lewis Miley is back.

Newcastle Motivation

The Magpies are in need of league points and will aim to win this match at home, though a draw would not be a disappointing result.

With an early kick-off, Newcastle may adopt a lower-intensity approach, sitting back for spells and focusing on counter-attacks.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal were unbeaten in 10 matches before recent slip-ups. After a 2-2 draw at Man City with ten men, they defeated Leicester 4-2 and eased past PSG 2-0. A comeback 3-1 win at Southampton extended their form before a 2-0 loss at Bournemouth, with ten men and a mere 0.68 xG created, broke their streak.

A 1-0 win over Shakhtar followed, though the Gunners faced a late surge of shots. Last weekend, they surrendered a 2-1 lead to draw 2-2 at home against Liverpool. On Wednesday, they cruised past Preston 3-0 in the Carabao Cup, restoring some confidence.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta will welcome William Saliba back from suspension, while Riccardo Calafiori is ruled out. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel, and Ben White are all carrying knee injuries, which puts their availability in doubt.

Key midfielder Martin Odegaard is nearing a return, though likely only after the FIFA break. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Thomas Partey all had partial rests midweek and are expected to return, along with David Raya and Declan Rice.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal are in urgent need of a win after dropping points against Bournemouth and Liverpool.

Arteta’s side may adopt a pragmatic approach, focusing on an early lead and defending in a low block if needed.

Key Stats

Newcastle have won just 2 of their last 7 matches (scoring only 6 goals).

Newcastle have lost 3 of their last 5 EPL matches (with 2 draws).

Arsenal have won 15 of their last 20 matches.

Arsenal have lost 2 of their last 3 away matches at Newcastle.

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz has scored 5 goals in his last 8 matches.

Verdict

A tight, tense match is expected. Arsenal may have the quality to defend a lead and secure a narrow win. Check the lineups before kick-off, especially to confirm Isak’s fitness and Arsenal’s defensive setup.