With both teams coming fresh off midweek EFL Cup triumphs, Newcastle United vs Arsenal is set for Saturday’s early 12:30 pm Premier League kickoff at St James’ Park
On Wednesday, the Magpies secured a 2-0 win over a rotated Chelsea side, advancing to their first quarterfinal of the season. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal eased past Preston North End with a comfortable 3-0 victory.
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Newcastle United vs Arsenal: Match Preview
In a rare matchup between English football’s only two clubs to complete an unbeaten top-flight season—Preston in 1888-89 and Arsenal in 2003-04—the Premier League title hopefuls were comfortably too strong for Preston in the EFL Cup last 16.
Arsenal’s goals came through Gabriel Jesus, who netted his first in nine months, Kai Havertz with a powerful header, and a stunning curling strike from 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who marked his second start for the Gunners by becoming the youngest player to score in consecutive games for the club.
Arsenal could have used Nwaneri’s spark in their recent Premier League clash with Liverpool, where they held a 2-1 lead at half-time but appeared a man down in the second half, allowing Mohamed Salah to level the match in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
With a five-point gap now separating them from league leaders Manchester City, Arsenal have lost their previous defensive solidity, conceding multiple goals in four of their last five league games. Having allowed nine goals across those matches—more than they did in the prior 18-game stretch—their recent defensive struggles have even drawn unflattering comparisons between Mikel Arteta and Jose Mourinho.
One of Mourinho’s former teams, Chelsea, became Newcastle’s latest EFL Cup casualty on Wednesday night. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca rotated his entire lineup for the fourth-round fixture, just days after his first-choice squad narrowly defeated Newcastle in the league.
Eddie Howe’s side, however, had the last laugh on Halloween, capitalising on Chelsea’s defensive blunders. Alexander Isak opened the scoring before a comical own goal by Axel Disasi secured Newcastle’s place in the quarter-finals.
With a favourable home draw against Brentford up next, Newcastle will look to use Wednesday’s triumph to kick-start their league campaign. Their recent 2-1 league loss to Chelsea extended a rough spell, with Newcastle taking only two points from their last 15 and sliding to 12th in the table. They also saw their 11-game unbeaten home run in the Premier League end in a defeat to Brighton.
Despite their recent struggles, Newcastle’s home ground was the scene of a narrow 1-0 victory over Arsenal last year, although Mikel Arteta criticised Anthony Gordon’s goal as “embarrassing” and “a disgrace.” The Gunners, however, responded decisively in the rematch at the Emirates, securing a 4-1 win just months later.
Newcastle United vs Arsenal: Team form
Newcastle United Premier League form
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Newcastle United form (all competitions)
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Arsenal Premier League form
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Arsenal form (all competitions)
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Newcastle United vs Arsenal: Team news
Arsenal full-back Jurrien Timber unexpectedly started against Preston despite recent cramp issues, while Gabriel Magalhaes missed out due to a knee problem but may be available after training on Friday alongside Ben White.
Injuries keep Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu sidelined, with Jakub Kiwior set to partner William Saliba if Gabriel is unfit.
Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Declan Rice are expected to return against Newcastle.
Newcastle received a boost with Anthony Gordon’s return from a groin injury against Chelsea, but Jacob Murphy (hamstring) and Alexander Isak (minor issue) remain doubts, with the latter expected to play. Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier, and Callum Wilson are still unavailable.
Newcastle United vs Arsenal: Possible Lineup
Newcastle United:
Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Isak, Gordon
Arsenal:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Partey; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz
Newcastle United vs Arsenal Prediction: Newcastle 1 – 2 Arsenal
Newcastle haven’t gone two consecutive Premier League home games without scoring since Steve Bruce’s tenure, and they now face an Arsenal team whose recent defensive resolve has wavered.
Yet, with Mikel Arteta resting several top players in their midweek EFL Cup victory, Arsenal should have the energy advantage—a factor that could be crucial in tipping the scales for a hard-fought win at St James’ Park.
