Arsenal cross swords with Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening.
The Gunners have dragged themselves into the battle for a Champions League spot but require just a point from their remaining two games to all but secure their place in Europe’s elite competition for next season. They come into this game on the back of a spirited 2-2 draw with newly-crowned English champions Liverpool at Anfield.
On the other hand, the Magpies bolstered their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League by beating 10-man Chelsea 2-0 at home last weekend. A victory in North London for Eddie Howe’s men will see them leapfrog Arsenal into second place in the table.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United—Team News
Mikel Merino is suspended for the visit of Newcastle United after being shown two yellow cards against Liverpool last time out. Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Magalhaes are sidelined with injuries. But Kai Havertz, Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard all have a chance to recover from their hamstring issues, having trained in midweek.
As for Newcastle, Kieran Trippier won’t be available for the important clash at the Emirates. Sven Botman is a major doubt for this game, having sustained a strong knock to his knee in the 2-0 home win over Chelsea.
Joelinton, Matt Targett and Lewis Hall are out, but Joe Willock could return to the squad to face his former club.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United—Predicted Lineups
Predicted Arsenal lineup (4-3-3): David Raya; Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Riccardo Calafiori; Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri
Predicted Newcastle United lineup (3-4-2-1): Nick Pope; Emil Krafth, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn; Jacob Murphy, Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Tino Livramento; Harvey Barnes, Anthony Gordon; Alexander Isak
Arsenal vs Newcastle United—Key Players
Arsenal—Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka will pose the biggest threat to Newcastle United, thanks to his pace, dribbling and movement. He can be devastating if given space and time on the ball, and the England international possesses the ability to get into promising positions in the final third and feed his teammates. If the winger is not taken extra care of, he can prove a thorn for the Newcastle defence.
Newcastle—Alexander Isak
Newcastle’s top scorer, Alexander Isak, has been brilliant and will be raring to get on the scoresheet against Arsenal for the third time this season. With Gordon and Barnes on either side of him, the Swede will hope to get sufficient service in the box. His potential battle with Saliba will be an interesting watch.
Prediction—Arsenal 2-2 Newcastle United