In an exciting Premier League matchup, Arsenal travel to Newcastle United’s St James’ Park on Saturday for an early kick-off, seeking to rebound after two consecutive league matches without a win. The Gunners are determined to regain momentum in the title race against Manchester City and Liverpool, while Newcastle look for a resurgence, having gone winless in the Premier League since mid-September.
Match Overview
Arsenal, who recently triumphed 3-0 over Preston North End in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, are aiming to build on that success in their Premier League campaign. Their last two league outings a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth and a 2-2 draw with Liverpool highlighted defensive issues and missed opportunities that manager Mikel Arteta will hope to address. Despite twice taking the lead against Liverpool, Arsenal couldn’t seal the victory, eventually conceding and sharing points.
Newcastle’s recent performances in the league have been underwhelming, with their last league win coming in mid-September. However, they did secure a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup midweek, despite losing to the same opponents in the league last weekend. Manager Eddie Howe will rely on the home crowd’s support to lift his players against a top opponent like Arsenal.
Key Match Details
- Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle
- Date: Saturday, November 2
- Kick-off Time: 12:30 PM GMT / 07:30 AM ET / 04:30 AM PT
- Referee: John Brooks
- VAR Official: Jarred Gillett
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Matches)
The last five encounters between these sides have been closely contested, with each winning twice and one draw. Arsenal will remember the pain of last season’s controversial defeat, in which an Anthony Gordon goal gave Newcastle a narrow victory. With that memory fresh, Arsenal are expected to approach this match with heightened intensity, especially with valuable points at stake as they seek to close the gap with title rivals.
Recent Form (All Competitions)
Newcastle:
- Newcastle 2-0 Chelsea (30/10/24)
- Chelsea 2-1 Newcastle (27/10/24)
- Newcastle 0-1 Brighton (19/10/24)
- Everton 0-0 Newcastle (05/10/24)
- Newcastle 1-0 AFC Wimbledon (01/10/24)
Arsenal:
- Preston 0-3 Arsenal (30/10/24)
- Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool (27/10/24)
- Arsenal 1-0 Shakhtar Donetsk (22/10/24)
- Bournemouth 2-0 Arsenal (19/10/24)
- Arsenal 3-1 Southampton (05/10/24)
Where to Watch
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, discovery+ App
United States: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, UNIVERSO
Canada: fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada
Team News
Newcastle United
Anthony Gordon was sidelined for Newcastle’s recent league clash with Chelsea due to injury but made a comeback in the Carabao Cup, playing for 73 minutes. Lewis Miley also made his return from a prolonged absence, featuring briefly towards the end of the same match. However, Alexander Isak was forced off in the second half after scoring the opener against Chelsea; Howe expressed optimism about the injury, though Isak’s availability remains in question.
Jacob Murphy missed the midweek match with a hamstring issue, but Howe reassured fans that it’s “nothing serious.” Newcastle still have several key defensive absentees, with Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, and Kieran Trippier all out due to injury. Matt Targett has been unwell since September, and Callum Wilson is also sidelined, expected to return only after the November international break.
Newcastle Predicted Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Gordon, Isak, Barnes.
Arsenal
Arsenal have concerns over defender Gabriel, who was withdrawn with a knee injury during the Liverpool game. However, Arteta suggested that the Brazilian’s recovery has been “much better than expected,” increasing the likelihood of his involvement. Jurrien Timber, who was substituted during the Liverpool game, played in the Carabao Cup and could retain his place.
Ben White sat out the Preston clash after a difficult game against Liverpool, which raises questions about his inclusion. The Gunners’ injury list remains lengthy, with Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kieran Tierney all sidelined until after the international break. Martin Odegaard may return in time for Arsenal’s Champions League match against Inter Milan next week but is not expected to feature in this weekend’s league fixture.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz.
Match Analysis and Tactical Preview
Newcastle: Eddie Howe’s side will rely on the energy of their home crowd and their pressing game to disrupt Arsenal’s rhythm. Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali will be key in midfield, tasked with controlling possession and stifling Arsenal’s counter-attacks. Howe may adopt a more defensive approach, especially given the injuries in defense, which could leave Newcastle vulnerable to Arsenal’s potent forward line. However, with players like Isak and Gordon up front, Newcastle have the firepower to threaten on the counter.
Arsenal: Arteta will look to exploit Newcastle’s defensive injuries and maintain control in midfield through Declan Rice and Mikel Merino. The Gunners are likely to retain a high press, utilizing the speed and creativity of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard. Kai Havertz, who has shown moments of promise in recent weeks, will be crucial in linking up play and providing an additional attacking threat. Arsenal’s defense, led by William Saliba, will need to be alert to Newcastle’s counter-attacks and the physical presence of Alexander Isak, if he is fit to start.
Score Prediction
This fixture promises a fierce contest, especially given the intense atmosphere at St James’ Park and Newcastle’s physical style of play. While the hosts can cause issues with their counter-attacking potential, Arsenal’s recent rotation and squad depth give them a slight advantage. Arteta’s team are better rested after midweek rotations and possess the attacking quality needed to break down a weakened Newcastle backline.
Prediction: Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
