Arsenal and Newcastle United are set for a crucial Premier League encounter on Sunday, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League.
A victory for Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium would guarantee their return to Europe’s top club competition. Even a draw would likely suffice for the Gunners, given their significantly superior goal difference. For Newcastle, a win would also put them on the brink of Champions League qualification. However, a draw or defeat would leave them anxiously awaiting results on the final day of the season.
Arsenal’s recent Premier League form has been inconsistent, with only one win in their last six matches as their focus briefly shifted to an ultimately unsuccessful Champions League campaign. Despite this, they have maintained their second-place position in the league table. With a final game against relegated Southampton to come, Mikel Arteta’s side are in a strong position to secure a top-five finish.
Newcastle, under the guidance of Eddie Howe, are enjoying another stellar season, having already lifted the Carabao Cup and maintained a strong Premier League performance. They are on the verge of a Champions League return, having qualified in the 2022-23 season. However, victories for Aston Villa and Chelsea on Friday night have intensified the pressure, leaving little margin for error in their final two matches.
Team News:
Arsenal have a potential boost with the return of Kai Havertz, who has been sidelined since early February due to injury. However, Arteta is likely to be cautious with his reintegration. There are also doubts surrounding Declan Rice due to a hip problem, while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard picked up knocks in their recent draw against Liverpool and will be assessed before the game. Jurrien Timber is also a potential absentee due to fitness issues. Mikel Merino is suspended for Arsenal. Long-term absentees for the Gunners include Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Jesus.
Team News:
Newcastle also have significant injury concerns. Joelinton remains sidelined, while Lewis Hall, Kieran Trippier, and Matt Targett are all unavailable. Sven Botman is a doubt after picking up a knock in their win against Chelsea, and Joe Willock has a slim chance of featuring despite a knee injury. In positive news for the Magpies, Jamaal Lascelles could be in contention for some minutes after returning to the bench following a long-term injury.
Predicted Lineups:
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Jorginho, Partey; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Newcastle (3-4-2-1): Pope; Krafth, Schär, Burn; Murphy, Guimarães, Tonali, Livramento; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.
Prediction:
Given what’s at stake for both sides, this is expected to be a closely contested affair. While Newcastle have had the upper hand in recent meetings, Arsenal will be desperate to secure their Champions League spot on home turf. With potential injury returns and the desire to end their home campaign on a high, Arsenal might just edge this one in a tight encounter.
Prediction: Arsenal 2–1 Newcastle Sources and related content