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.

 

#Newcastle #Arsenal #PremierLeague #EPL #Howe #Arteta #Saka #Gordon #Odegaard #StJamesPark #PL2025

 

Barcelona's pursuit of La Liga leaders Real Madrid continues on Sunday, September 28, as the Catalan outfit welcomes Real Sociedad to the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

 

📈Team Form📉

 

🔹 Barcelona: Five wins and one draw from six matches. 16 points, 2nd in La Liga.

🔸 Real Sociedad: Five points from six matches (two draws, three losses, one win), 16th in La Liga.

 

️ 📊Key Stats & Head-to-Head 📊

 

🔥 Barcelona recorded a 4-0 victory in the corresponding fixture last season.

🔥 Real Sociedad have won two (2) of their last five (5) matches against Barcelona, including a 2-1 away win in May 2023.

🔥 Historically, Real Sociedad have only won 38 of the previous 196 matches against Barcelona.

🔬 What to Expect From Both Teams 🔥

 

🔵🔴 Barcelona | La Liga form: W🟢 W🟢 D🟡 W🟢 W🟢 W🟢:

 

Barcelona come into the match after a 3-1 comeback victory over Real Oviedo. The room for error is small due to Real Madrid's excellent form, making a win crucial. The team may manage fitness with a Champions League fixture against PSG looming.

Barcelona could welcome Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde back into the squad, likely to be involved off the bench. Raphinha is being assessed for a minor issue and may be rested. Fermin Lopez, Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen remain unavailable.

 

⚪🔵 Real Sociedad | La Liga form: D🟡 D🟡 L🔴 L🔴 L🔴 W🟢:

 

Real Sociedad ended a difficult run with a much-needed 1-0 win over Mallorca. They will be looking to build momentum, but face a tough challenge away from home.

Yangel Herrera and Orri Oskarsson will miss the contest due to injury, while Aritz Elustondo is a doubt. Head coach Sergio Francisco could name an unchanged lineup from the side that beat Mallorca.

 

👥 Predicted Lineups 👥

 

🔵🔴 Barcelona (possible):

J Garcia; Kounde, E Garcia, Araujo, Martin; De Jong, Casado; F Torres, Olmo, Rashford; Lewandowski.

 

⚪🔵Real Sociedad (possible):

Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Gomez; Kubo, Mendez, Gorrotxategi, Soler, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal.

 

🔥 Matchups & Players to Watch 👀

 

✨Robert Lewandowski — On the scoresheet off the bench last game and a constant goal threat.

✨Takefusa Kubo — A key creative force on the wing for the visitors.

✨Mikel Oyarzabal — An impressive experienced performer for Real Sociedad, always.

 

💵 Odds Market on MSport 💵

 

💵 Barcelona/Home to win = 1.31

💵 Real Sociedad/Away to win = 8.98

💵 Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.63

💵 Over 3.5 total goals = 1.85

 

Barcelona will be expected to secure a victory at home to maintain pressure on the league leaders. However, Real Sociedad's recent win and historical ability to pull off an upset mean they cannot be underestimated.

Who takes the three points on Sunday? Tell us your prediction in the comments.

 

 

 

🔗 You can follow the Barcelona vs Real Sociedad La Liga game here on MSport.

#Barcelona #RealSociedad #LaLiga #Flick #Francisco #Lewandowski #Kubo #LaLiga2025