The Premier League is heating up as Arsenal travel to Newcastle in a crucial match that could have major implications on the top four race and title fight. The Gunners are out for revenge after suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to the Magpies at St James’ Park last November, a result that was seen as a major turning point in their season.
Arsenal Aiming to Keep Pace with Title Rivals
Mikel Arteta’s men currently sit in the top four but know they can ill afford any slip-ups if they hope to keep pace with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in the title race. The Gunners avenged that painful loss to Newcastle with a convincing 4-1 win in the reverse fixture at the Emirates, but traveling to the passionate atmosphere of St James’ Park is always a tough proposition.
Key Battles in Midfield
The midfield battle could prove pivotal, with Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton set to face off against Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. The Magpies’ Brazilian duo have been in stellar form, providing energy, creativity and goals from the center of the park.
“We know it will be a tough match against a very good Newcastle side,” Arteta told reporters. “But we have to go there with the right mentality and belief that we can get the three points. It’s a crucial game for us in terms of the top four and staying in the title race.”
– Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Newcastle’s Resurgence Under Eddie Howe
Newcastle have been one of the surprises of the season, currently sitting comfortably in the top half of the table after flirting with relegation last year. Much of the credit goes to manager Eddie Howe, who has transformed the team since taking over in November 2021.
The Magpies will be hoping their passionate home support can spur them on to another famous victory over the Gunners. St James’ Park is known as one of the most intimidating away grounds in the Premier League, with the Toon Army in full voice from start to finish.
Injuries and Suspensions
Arsenal will be without the suspended Bukayo Saka, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the win over Nottingham Forest last weekend. Emile Smith Rowe is likely to deputize on the right wing.
Newcastle have a relatively clean bill of health, with only Emil Krafth and Jonjo Shelvey sidelined through injury. Howe is expected to name an unchanged side from the one that beat Tottenham 2-1 in their last outing.
Potential Line-ups
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; S. Longstaff, Guimarães, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka; Martinelli, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Jesus.
Match Details
| Date | Saturday, November 2, 2024 |
| Kick-off | 12:30 PM GMT |
| Venue | St James’ Park, Newcastle |
This promises to be a pulsating encounter between two sides with plenty still to play for this season. Can Arsenal avenge that painful defeat from last year and boost their top four and title hopes? Or will Newcastle’s home advantage prove decisive once again?
Neutrals will be hoping for a match full of drama, passion and quality befitting of the world-renowned Premier League stage. Whoever comes out on top, this could prove to be a defining result in the race for Champions League football and the destination of the Premier League trophy.
The midfield battle could prove pivotal, with Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães and Joelinton set to face off against Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. The Magpies’ Brazilian duo have been in stellar form, providing energy, creativity and goals from the center of the park.
“We know it will be a tough match against a very good Newcastle side,” Arteta told reporters. “But we have to go there with the right mentality and belief that we can get the three points. It’s a crucial game for us in terms of the top four and staying in the title race.”
– Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Newcastle’s Resurgence Under Eddie Howe
Newcastle have been one of the surprises of the season, currently sitting comfortably in the top half of the table after flirting with relegation last year. Much of the credit goes to manager Eddie Howe, who has transformed the team since taking over in November 2021.
The Magpies will be hoping their passionate home support can spur them on to another famous victory over the Gunners. St James’ Park is known as one of the most intimidating away grounds in the Premier League, with the Toon Army in full voice from start to finish.
Injuries and Suspensions
Arsenal will be without the suspended Bukayo Saka, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the win over Nottingham Forest last weekend. Emile Smith Rowe is likely to deputize on the right wing.
Newcastle have a relatively clean bill of health, with only Emil Krafth and Jonjo Shelvey sidelined through injury. Howe is expected to name an unchanged side from the one that beat Tottenham 2-1 in their last outing.
Potential Line-ups
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; S. Longstaff, Guimarães, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka; Martinelli, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Jesus.
Match Details
| Date | Saturday, November 2, 2024 |
| Kick-off | 12:30 PM GMT |
| Venue | St James’ Park, Newcastle |
This promises to be a pulsating encounter between two sides with plenty still to play for this season. Can Arsenal avenge that painful defeat from last year and boost their top four and title hopes? Or will Newcastle’s home advantage prove decisive once again?
Neutrals will be hoping for a match full of drama, passion and quality befitting of the world-renowned Premier League stage. Whoever comes out on top, this could prove to be a defining result in the race for Champions League football and the destination of the Premier League trophy.
