Third-placed Newcastle United visits second-placed Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday in a high-stakes clash that could determine both teams’ Champions League fates. A win for either side would seal qualification, while a defeat could leave the door open for Aston Villa or Nottingham Forest to overtake them with one matchday remaining.
Newcastle have already defeated Arsenal three times this season—twice in the EFL Cup semifinals and once in the Premier League—and could become the first team in English football history to beat the Gunners four times in a single campaign.
Eddie Howe’s side are unbeaten in their last three and secured a 2-0 win over Chelsea last weekend behind goals from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Arsenal arrive on the back of a 2-2 comeback draw at Liverpool, where Mikel Merino’s red card overshadowed goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Merino himself.
The result extended Arsenal’s winless run to five games across all competitions, including a home stretch in which they’ve failed to win any of their last four. A third straight home defeat would mark their worst Emirates form since 2019, but that’s the most probable outcome considering how Howe and the Magpies seem to have the Gunners’ number.
For Newcastle, however, problems have grown of late as Sven Botman remains a doubt after sustaining a knock to his knee, while Joe Willock (thigh), Kieran Trippier (calf), Matt Targett (thigh), Joelinton (knee), and Lewis Hall (foot) are still unavailable. Emil Krafth could deputize in central defense if Botman is ruled out, which is not the best news, but still a solid and veteran option if he’s deployed in the middle of the rearguard.
Here are some of Howe’s Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk
On chasing Champions League qualification...
“It’s not done yet. The picture can change game-to-game and I think we’ve got to be really focused on our next game and trying to win it.
“Our preparation has been good and the focus is there from the players. Nothing is achieved until it’s achieved. We have to be single-minded in that, and not get distracted.”
On Sven Botman’s fitness...
“It was a knock - he got a bang on his knee. We’re not sure about Sven’s availability for the weekend but we’ll give him a chance to be fit.
“We don’t think it’s a serious injury. He’s been unlucky. You’re going to get knocks and bruises in his position and this is a similar thing. He’s been really unlucky on the last two occasions.”
On Kieran Trippier and Joe Willock’s availability...
“Kieran, I don’t think will be fit for this weekend but again it’s not a big injury, a very minor calf problem.
“Joe - we’ll leave the door open for him, I think he’s got a slight chance.”
On Joelinton’s ongoing recovery...
“He’s working away behind the scenes. Typical Joe - he’s absolutely foot to the floor trying to get fit because he wants to be involved.
“The biggest possibility is that we don’t see him again this season and we’ll get him ready for next year.”
On the fit-again Jamaal Lascelles...
“No recovery from the same injury is the same, it’s all individual and about how your knee reacts to different situations. Jamaal’s took a little bit longer (than Sven Botman’s). He had a couple of moments were he had to take time through different phases. “Through the whole process he’s been very level. It would have been easy to fall into a difficult place mentally, but he’s shown dedication. He’s a brilliant professional.
“We’ve missed his voice on the training pitch, the demands he puts on himself and other people - he’s a real culture setter for us. We’re delighted to have him back.”
On being shortlisted for the Barclays Manager of the Season award, and Alexander Isak’s nomination for the EA Sports Player of the Season award...
“I always think it’s nice to be nominated for different things, because ultimately it hopefully means you’ve had a successful season so I’m proud to be on that list.
“I’m also proud for Alex - I think he thoroughly deserves it.”
Howay!
Date: Sunday, May 18th
Kick-off: 16:30 BST / 11:30 EST
Location: Emirates Stadium, London (England)
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