As the Premier League title chase nears the finish line, Arsenal continue their pursuit of Manchester City with an away match on Sunday at St. James’ Park against Newcastle United, who currently find themselves in position for next season’s Champions League.
Arsenal are in second place on 78 points, trailing first-placed Manchester City by a point, while Newcastle United are placed third place on 65 points as the clubs occupy two of the four Champions League spots with five matches left. Fifth-placed Liverpool, the first club outside of the tournament positions, are six points behind the Magpies.
Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-1 at home in their last Premier League match to snap a four-match winless streak. Newcastle also won their last Premier League match 3-1 at home against Southampton, their third consecutive win.
The previous Premier League fixture between the teams saw them play out a 0-0 draw at Emirates Stadium in January.
Visitors Arsenal have been led by Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Ødegaard, and Bukayo Saka, who have scored 15, 14, and 13 times, respectively.
Newcastle have been led by Callum Wilson. He is their top scorer with 15 goals, six of those having been the critical first of the match.
At St. James’ Park this season, Newcastle have 10 wins, five draws, and one loss in 16 Premier League contests. Arsenal have played on their travels 17 times in the league this season, earning 36 points from 51 available (W11 D3 L3). The Gunners are on a three-match away winless streak (W0 D2 L1). The last time they won away was March 12 against Fulham.
In their last six league matches, Newcastle have won five and lost one. Arsenal, meanwhile, have won two, drawn three and lost one in their last six.
Jamaal Lascelles may have taken on a bit-part role this season, but Eddie Howe was bitterly disappointed to learn that his captain had picked up a season-ending calf injury in the gym, joining ACL victim Emil Krafth on the long-term absentee list.
Sean Longstaff (ankle) and Allan Saint-Maximin (thigh) will also need once-overs before the visit of the title chasers, but Howe should not risk either man unnecessarily, while Ryan Fraser – previously a target of Arsenal’s – continues his exile in the Under-21s.
Howe’s toss-up between Wilson or Alexander Isak to lead the line just became all the more difficult thanks to the former’s heroic substitute display, but Isak will expect to retain his place up top for now. Miguel Almiron is a strong contender to come in for Anthony Gordon, though.
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Arteta admitted concern over defender Gabriel Magalhaes when he came off injured in the dying embers of their win over Chelsea, especially with one first-choice defender in William Saliba (back) sure to miss out once more.
Despite dropping to the turf a few times before being taken off, Gabriel’s ankle issue apparently did not stop him from conducting post-game media duties, and there is a strong chance that he will be passed fit for Sunday. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny both remain out with their season-ending knee problems.
Arteta made the big call to introduce Jakub Kiwior into the first XI for the win over Chelsea, and the Poland international ought to retain his spot following an accomplished display, but Leandro Trossard will likely make way for Gabriel Martinelli.
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:
Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Almiron
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
