Title contenders clash with an underperforming Magpies side desperate to break a decade-long winless streak at the Emirates.
Newcastle are heading to the Emirates stadium wanting to reverse their poor form this year in the Premier League and also improving their fortunes against Arsenal having not won in their last 13 games (D1 L12) & only scoring 1 goal in their last 9 visits. Arsenal are also coming off the back of 4 domestic losses having only won once in the last 5 games in all competitions which was the 1-0 against Sporting Lisbon.
Newcastle will be travelling to London without winger Anthony Gordon who will be missing this weekend, Tino Livramento who came off injured in last weeks defeat against Bournemouth. Whilst Fabian Schär & Emil Krafth remain out injured. Joelinton will be missing as he serves the 2nd of his 2 game ban after picking up his 10th Yellow in the 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace.
Arsenal are set to be without Mikel Merino (ex Newcastle) and Jurrien Timber but Richardo Calafiori & Bukayo Saka are expected to return to the match day squad after missing the 2-1 defeat against Manchester City due to injury. Arteta says “It is clear what is at stake, the energy has been so good and the weather helps as well”
Newcastle will have an uphill task with Arsenal winning 12 and drawn 2 of their 16 Premier League games at the Emirates Stadium this season. Liverpool being the only away team to keep a clean sheet at the Emirates. The last victory for Newcastle United in the Premier League at the Emirates stadium was the 1-0 win in the 2010/11 season which saw local lad Andy Carroll score the only goal of the game.
Newcastle have won recently at the Emirates when they beat Arsenal 2-0 in the 1st leg of the Carabao Cup Semi final tie which eventually saw them lift the trophy following their win against Liverpool at Wembley. It is to be seen if Eddie Howe decides to change to the tactics which were successful in the semi final win or if he feels different tactics are needed.
Both teams need a win for very different reasons, Arsenal need it to keep up their battle for the title, whilst Newcastle need to get a win to put an end to this poor run. The longer the game goes on with no goal the more it is likely to benefit Newcastle more and the pressure is likely to build on the Arsenal players with the fans likely to express their nerves.
The referee for the game is Yorkshire born Sam Barrett, he has been in charge of 3 previous games including Newcastle, the 2-1 win at home to Manchester City ,0-0 draw away to Wolves & the 3-1 loss against Manchester City in the FA Cup tie at St James’ Park.