Dark arts and defending are likely to be the order of the day at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon, as Newcastle United and Arsenal square off in an intriguing Premier League contest.
Eddie Howe and Mikel Arteta oversaw straightforward EFL Cup third-round wins in midweek, but neither outfit is where they want to be after five outings in 2025-26.
Both teams will be looking to build momentum, with Arsenal seeking to improve their league position and Newcastle aiming to extend a formidable home record against the Gunners.
📈Team Form📉
🔹 Newcastle United: six (6) points from five matches (1 win, 3 draws, 1 loss).
🔸 Arsenal: ten (10) points from five matches (3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss).
📊Key Stats & Head-to-Head
🔥 Arsenal have lost their last three Premier League away matches against Newcastle without scoring a single goal.
🔥 Newcastle are aiming to beat Arsenal in four consecutive home games for the first time in 56 years.
🔥 In all competitions, Arsenal have lost more away games only against Man City (five) than against Newcastle (four) under Mikel Arteta.
🔬 What to Expect From Both Teams 🔥
⚫⚪ Newcastle United | Premier League form: D🟡 L🔴 D🟡 W🟢 D🟡:
Eddie Howe's side comes into the match with the joint-second-worst attacking record in the league (three goals) but has kept three consecutive clean sheets.
Their defensive solidity, with opponents registering just 2.6 Expected Goals against them this season, will be key against a strong Arsenal side.
The Magpies have no major fresh injury concerns beyond Fabian Schar, Yoane Wissa, and Jacob Ramsey. Sven Botman is expected to be fit after being substituted midweek, while Nick Woltemade should lead the line.
🔴⚪ Arsenal| Premier League form: W🟢 W🟢 L🔴 W🟢 D🟡:
Mikel Arteta's Gunners are at risk of falling eight points behind league leaders Liverpool if they lose. They will be desperate to end their poor recent record at St James' Park.
Captain Martin Odegaard is expected to return from a shoulder injury. However, Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus remain unavailable.
Bukayo Saka is back from injury and needs one more goal or assist for 100 direct Premier League involvements.
👥 Predicted Lineups 👥
⚫⚪ Newcastle United (possible):
Pope, Trippier, Botman, Burn, Livramento, Guimaraes, Tonali, Joelinton, Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.
🔴⚪ Arsenal (possible):
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice, Saka, Gyokeres, Eze.
🔥 Matchups & Players to Watch 👀
✨Bukayo Saka — Back from injury and on the cusp of 100 direct goal involvements in the Premier League.
✨Anthony Gordon— Has had 10 shots without scoring this season; will be eager to end that run.
✨Martin Odegaard— The returning captain is crucial to Arsenal's creative engine.
💵 Odds Market on MSport 💵
💵 Newcastle/Home to win = 3.67
💵 Arsenal/Away to win = 2.21
💵 Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.89
This fixture promises a tense tactical battle. Newcastle's defensive resilience and home advantage against Arsenal will be tested by the Gunners' need to break their St James' Park curse and keep pace at the top of the table.
Who takes the three points on Sunday? Tell us your prediction in the comments.
🔗 You can follow the Newcastle vs Arsenal Premier League game here on MSport.
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