Newcastle United host Arsenal at St James’ Park this Saturday, which is anticipated to be a highly competitive game in the Premier League this week.
Newcastle travelled away to Stamford Bridge in GW9 and just came out short as the Blues edged them 2-1. An early strike from Jackson was cancelled out after a well-crafted move from the Magpies, which was scored by Isak.
Dangerman Cole Palmer found the net early on in the second half, and it was enough to secure the 3 points for Chelsea. Newcastle massively underperformed their 1.85 xG rate, which now sees them 12th on the table.
Nevertheless, Newcastle hosted Chelsea again midweek in the Carabao Cup and beat them 2-0 thanks to Howe’s tactical intelligence in pressing Chelsea at the back.
Arsenal hosted a cracker of a game at the Emirates against Liverpool, where the shares were evenly distributed at 2-2. A first-half lead from the hosts was foiled late on by Liverpool, which forced the two sides to a draw. A fairly even game that Arsenal had an upper hand on until the injuries to Timber and Gabriel saw the Gunners become susceptible and eventually concede late on. Arsenal remain 3rd on the table, 5 points behind Manchester City.
Arsenal travelled away to Preston North End in the Ro16 of the Carabao Cup, winning 3-0. A good preparation before the Magpies challenge.
Arsenal travel away to Newcastle with the dampening result that came by them at St James’ Park last season—a scrappy goal being rewarded to Newcastle that eventually could’ve been the points that were affordable to win the league! Arsenal, however, managed to take revenge at the Emirates last season as they thumped them 4-1.
Newcastle vs Arsenal: When & Where?
Date: 2nd November 2024, Saturday.
Time: 1:30 PM BST.
Venue: St James’ Park.
Newcastle United vs Arsenal — Match Officials
Referee: John Brooks
Assistants: Simon Bennett, Dan Robathan
Fourth Official: Darren Bond, Jarred Gillett
Assistant VAR: Darren Cann
Newcastle vs Arsenal – Team News
Newcastle saw their gunman in attack Anthony Gordon return to action vs. Chelsea midweek after battling through a groin injury. Isak did not look entirely comfortable midweek and was also withdrawn early in the second half, but Howe will be hopeful of the injury concerns being minor.
Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Calum Wilson will all remain out of contention for the fixture. However, Jacob Murphy is expected to be fit against the Gunners.
Gabriel Magalheas missed the game vs. Preston midweek after having a knee issue that he suffered vs. Liverpool but is however expected to feature vs. Newcastle. Ben White was also omitted from the Preston squad as a precaution.
Riccardo Calafiori, Kieran Tierney, and Tomiyasu are all out of contention to make the squad vs. Newcastle, as all of them are still being assessed with their respective injuries. Martin Odegaard, however, is pushing hard for Saturday’s trip but is highly likely to make a return to the squad in the next week.
Pre-match tactical analysis
Newcastle will mostly feature in their reliable 4-3-3 formation under Eddie Howe, which has seen them outdo opponents on multiple occasions. With Isak leading the line alongside 2 pacey dribblers in Gordon and Barnes, Newcastle are most likely to find their way forward in counterattacking scenarios. Newcastle wouldn’t mind compromising on possession in order to build a compact out of possession shape that can cause troubles for the Gunners to create.
Arsenal will have the majority of the ball in this game, just like it has been in the fixtures last season. Quick exchanges, decent off-the-ball movements, and the ability to break lines would be very important in opening up the rigid Newcastle defensive block. An injury to Odegaard will be largely missed in a fixture like this, but if Arteta wants an in-house solution, Ethan Nwaneri might have the answers.
Newcastle are good at keeping things compact in midfield with the physicality of Bruno G & Joelinton, denying opposition central midfielders time and space to take up dangerous positions in their defensive half. They also rely on dangerous breaks, choosing to release dangerous balls into wide areas where they have a lot of pace and quality, which we’ve already mentioned. Declan Rice as a shuttler alongside a physical duel winner like Merino might be the best punt Arsenal have in midfield.
Arsenal would have the upper hand in this fixture and could make the most of the not-so-great form Newcastle are currently in. Nevertheless, it could be a head-to-head nail-biting encounter at St. James’ Park as both teams will look to dominate proceedings with an opening goal.
Newcastle United vs Arsenal FC: Key Players
Anthony Gordon
He is one of the Premier League’s best wingers in contention to start and could cause the Gunners some real upsets with his uniquely beneficial style of play. Using his pace whilst dribbling and using both feet in order to keep defenders backtracked is an art that Gordon is reminiscent of. Newcastle are known for creating through the wings and being dependent on pace in counterattack situations. Anthony Gordon can be a real asset for the Magpies.
Bukayo Saka
Arsenal’s starboy has started this season in splendid fashion, leading the assists chart with 7 assists in the Premier League. Saka’s effortless ability to cut in with his favourite left foot and fancy a shot at goal always poses a threat—a goal he scored vs. Liverpool just last week. He could make the most of it by getting in the central areas and creating more from there. Can Saka keep Arsenal higher up on the table after delivering in another important away fixture?
Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Predicted Lineups
Newcastle predicted lineup vs Arsenal: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle: Raya, Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, TImber, Rice, Merino, Havertz, Martinelli, Trossard, Saka.