A highly anticipated Premier League game between Newcastle United and Arsenal is scheduled for Sunday 7 May at St James’ Park. Newcastle United has ascended into the top four, brushing aside their earlier dip in form with an impressive eight wins in their last nine league games. They come into this match, hoping to extend the gap as Manchester United suffered a midweek defeat, allowing the Magpies to take advantage of the situation. Newcastle United has won each of their last four games at St. James’ Park, including a 6-1 victory over Tottenham, and they hope to replicate their winning form against Arsenal.
On the other hand, Arsenal still retains slim hopes of winning the Premier League, but their four-game winless run before their clash with Chelsea hurt their chances. This season has been exceptional for Arsenal, and they are title chasers coming into this game. However, they look to overcome last year’s disappointment against Newcastle United at the same venue, which ended their hopes of finishing fourth. It was due to the absence of key personnel, including Thomas Partey and Ben White, but this season, the Gunners hope to avoid similar mistakes.
The match will be a mouth-watering one as the two teams have a competitive edge against each other. Arsenal has a good historical record, winning 83 out of the 190 matches played between them, while Newcastle United has 69 victories. The Magpies won this fixture last season by a 2-0 margin and have not won three consecutive matches at home against Arsenal in the Premier League since 1996. After an 18-match run with at least one goal against Newcastle United in the Premier League, Arsenal failed to score in their last two matches against the Magpies. It is of interest to note that Newcastle United has not avoided defeat in both league games against Arsenal in a single season since the 2010-11 campaign.
Both sides have a few injury concerns ahead of the game, with Eddie Howe expected to reward Callum Wilson with a starting role alongside Alexander Isak after his brace in the previous game. For Arsenal, Gabriel Magalhaes could return in central defense, while Thomas Partey is expected to return to the starting lineup in central midfielder. Both teams are expected to play a 4-3-3 formation, with Newcastle likely to field Pope in goal and Trippier, Schar, Botman, and Burn in defense. Willock, Guimaraes, and Joelinton will operate in the midfield, while Murphy, Isak, and Wilson will play up top. Arsenal, on the other hand, is likely to have Ramsdale in goal, with White, Kiwior, Gabriel, and Zinchenko in defense. Partey, Odegaard, and Xhaka will form the midfield trio, while Saka, Jesus, and Martinelli will play up top.
In conclusion, the game promises an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to secure three crucial points. It could also determine the fate of Newcastle United‘s top-four pursuit or Arsenal‘s title chase as the race to the finish thickens.
