Newcastle United vs Arsenal: Premier League Clash Preview, Team News, and Prediction
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Newcastle United will face Arsenal in an exciting Premier League match at St James' Park this weekend. The clash, which happens this Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 12:30 PM GMT, is replete with narrative as both teams try to collect crucial points to help strengthen their respective campaigns. Though Newcastle goes into the match fresh from a Carabao Cup win against Chelsea, Arsenal will surely try to recover in the League after their recent draw with Liverpool.
In this preview, we shall delve deep into each team's recent form, injury updates, and key players to watch out for, along with tactics likely to be deployed, before wrapping it up with a deep prediction.
Match Preview: Newcastle United and Arsenal's Path to the Showdown
While Newcastle and Arsenal enjoyed a good spell this season, their current trend remains different. Arsenal currently occupies the third position in the Premier League table, five points from the leading team, Manchester City. Having had a good run in the initial stages of the season, they've given away a number of goals in recent matches, conceding more than one goal in four of their last five matches. In their last league outing, a thrilling 2-2 draw between Arsenal and Liverpool saw them lose steam after having the lead at half-time.
Newcastle is, meanwhile, middling in the table due to a run of five winless league games, though the 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea a fortnight ago brings some cheer. Eddie Howe's men can look forward to carrying such momentum to get themselves up the Premier League ladder once again.
Recent Form and Stats
- Newcastle United (Premier League): WLDDLL
- Newcastle United (All Competitions): DWDLLW
- Arsenal (Premier League): WDWWLD
- Arsenal (All Competitions): WWLWDW
Newcastle has achieved only two draws in their last five league matches, but Arsenal is a bit better off with two wins, two draws, and a single loss, hence consistent in the league lately.
Head-to-Head Record
Over the past years, Arsenal has decidedly had the better of Newcastle. In 58 meetings since 1996, the Gunners have come away winners 34 times, while the Magpies have only beaten them on nine occasions, with a total of 11 draws recorded. That said, Newcastle's performances at St James' Park have been considerably better, and they did manage to win 1-0 in this corresponding fixture last season. It was a victory that was enveloped in controversy, as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta termed it "embarrassing."
Team News: Injuries and Expected Lineups
Injuries have been a considerable factor for both squads, with several key players ruled out or in doubt for this match.
Newcastle United
Newcastle were given a boost with Anthony Gordon returning from a groin injury to feature against Chelsea midweek, and he is in line to start on Saturday. However, Jacob Murphy's hamstring strain and Alexander Isak's minor knock during the Chelsea game have raised some concerns. Howe will be hoping that Isak is fit enough to start, as he has been very crucial to Newcastle's attacking setup.
For defense, injuries continue to be a problem as captain Jamaal Lascelles remains troubled by his knee, Sven Botman is also a casualty - for a knee injury, Kieran Trippier has a thigh issue, and Callum Wilson nurses his back. This should keep Howe's selection a little small as the manager may settle for a backline that could be marshaled by Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, and Lewis Hall.
Predicted Newcastle Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
- Defense: Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall
- Midfield: Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton
- Attack: Barnes, Isak, Gordon
Arsenal
Arsenal will have defensive issues of their own with Gabriel Magalhaes a doubt as he has picked up a knee problem against Liverpool; his absence could see Jakub Kiwior come in alongside William Saliba at the center of the back four. The other absentees for the Gunners include their captain Martin Odegaard - an ankle problem, Kieran Tierney, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz will all likely come back into the team after being rested in Arsenal's midweek EFL Cup win against Preston. Another important player in Ben White should be available to shore up their backline.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup:
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defense: White, Saliba, Kiwior, Timber
- Midfield: Rice, Partey
- Attack: Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz
Tactical Breakdown
Newcastle United’s Approach
Newcastle will be eager to capitalize on its home advantage, playing a high-intensity game right from the first minutes. For sure, Eddie Howe's men are going to seek to press them high, just to force Arsenal into mistakes and thereafter pounce on any slack they create at the back. The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton will be given the role of disrupting the flow of Arsenal's midfield; Tonali's role as a ball-winning midfielder will be important.
In attack, Gordon and Isak will provide pace and width, though the former can cut inside in order to be goal-side and create opportunities. If fit enough, Isak will serve as Newcastle's main target man to try and exploit Arsenal's weaknesses at the back.
Arsenal’s Approach
Arsenal will most likely dominate the tempo of the game since they're a possession-based team that frustrates opponents, including Newcastle. Arteta's side will look to build methodical attacks by use of wide players such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to bring width into Newcastle's backline. The presence of Declan Rice in midfield gives Arsenal an assured anchor, enabling Partey to push further upfront to support the attack.
Defensively, Arsenal must be on their toes, with Newcastle touted to press high and capitalize on set pieces. Kiwior and Saliba will have to keep Newcastle's attacking pair under wraps and not commit too many errors in their half.
Key Battles to Watch
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Guimaraes vs Rice: These two midfield generals will be crucial to their respective teams’ success. Guimaraes’ ability to break up play and Rice’s defensive prowess will likely set the tone for much of the midfield action.
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Gordon vs White: Gordon’s pace and trickery down the wing will be a test for Ben White. His ability to cut inside and link with Isak could pose a constant threat.
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Isak vs Saliba: Should Isak be fit, his battle with Saliba could be decisive. Both players are known for their physicality and skill, and a win here could tilt the game in favor of their side.
Prediction
Both teams go into this game with different motivations yet similar challenges, mainly in the form of injuries. Newcastle's recent resurgence with their Carabao Cup win over Chelsea will grant them momentum, but Arsenal's consistent league performances make them the more formidable side. Taking form into consideration, the match between the two teams is expected to be hard-fought and tightly contested.
Final Score Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal
Betting Odds and Predictions
- Newcastle Win: 11/5
- Draw: 5/2
- Arsenal Win: 6/5
Based on the betting odds, Arsenal is slightly favored to take the win, but Newcastle’s impressive home record makes them capable of producing an upset.
Conclusion
The Newcastle United vs Arsenal Premier League fixture looks a treat for the onlookers as both sides will see two different styles of gameplay come into action. However, the strategic design and consistency in gameplay give Arsenal an edge in the tie over Newcastle's constant stump and home turf advantage that may just spring a surprise. There is everything to play for in this fixture for both teams; hence, this match is indispensable for all fans worldwide.
The stakes are high for both Newcastle and Arsenal, as the former seeks revival in the Premier League while the latter looks to stay hot on the heels of league leaders.