The Premier League returns this weekend and one of the more interesting matches affecting the top end of the table sees Arsenal travel to Newcastle United, with the Gunners keen to get back on the winning track in league terms.
After their 2-2 home draw with Liverpool last week, Mikel Arteta’s side are five points off leaders Manchester City and have only won two of the last five in the top flight, so a return to winning ways is of paramount importance.
A comfortable 3-0 midweek victory in the League Cup should boost spirits, while Newcastle will similarly be uplifted after knocking out Chelsea, 2-0 on home soil – but now they need to translate that to league form themselves.
The Magpies have been inconsistent all season and are winless in the last five top-flight fixtures, so Eddie Howe needs to find a way to stop that poor run and pull off a big result against a side nine places above them in the table.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game.
When is Newcastle v Arsenal?
The match kicks off at 12:30pm GMT on Saturday 2 November.
Where can I watch it?
The game is scheduled for broadcast on TNT Sports 1 and Ultimate. Subscribers can stream the match via the discovery+ app.
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What is the team news?
A host of injuries still trouble Newcastle, with defenders Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles and Kieran Trippier all definitely out. Striker Callum Wilson is another absentee but Howe will hope to have Anthony Gordon back.
The Gunners are still missing Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori from their starting options, but Williams Saliba is back from suspension and might simply replace Gabriel, if he hasn’t recovered from a knock last weekend – though Arteta expects him to be fit.
Predicted lineups
NEW – Pope, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton, Murphy, Isak, Barnes
ARS – Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, Partey, Merino, Rice, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Odds
Newcastle 29/10
Draw 11/4
Arsenal Evens
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Prediction
The Gunners will be too good to lose this game, but an in-form Isak might make it an interesting battle. The hosts to just about manage a draw. Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal.
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