Saturday’s Premier League action gets underway at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal look to get back to winning ways against rock-bottom Newcastle United.
The Gunners’ eight-match unbeaten run in the Premier League suffered a setback last time out as they succumbed to an embarrassing 4-0 defeat away to Liverpool.
A lacklustre performance at Anfield showed there is still a clear gap between Arsenal and title contenders, but hopes of securing a first top-four finish since 2015/16 are very much alive.
Mikel Arteta’s men head into Saturday’s encounter in north London trailing fourth-placed West Ham United by three points.
It means Arsenal could break into the top four if they overcome underperforming Newcastle and Manchester City beat the Hammers at home, and the bookies support that with their odds offers.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United Head-to-Head
Arsenal’s recent Premier League record against Newcastle suggests this could be a walk in the park for Arteta’s men, who have won 16 of their last 17 top-flight matches against the Magpies.
What’s more, the Londoners have racked up nine consecutive league wins over Newcastle at the Emirates since falling to a narrow 1-0 loss in November 2010.
There is another good omen here. The Gunners have kept five consecutive Premier League clean sheets at home against this opposition, which is significant following last weekend’s drubbing at Anfield.
Arsenal should return to the scoresheet after drawing a blank against Liverpool last time out, having found the back of the net in each of their previous 17 league games against Newcastle.
Arsenal on the upper trajectory
Arsenal have never lost a Premier League home fixture against a side starting the day rooted to the foot of the table (W15, D6), winning the last eight such contests on the trot by an aggregate score of 23-2.
Arteta’s men have improved defensively following a leaky start to the season. Indeed, four goals they conceded against Liverpool last time out were as many as they had across their eight league outings beforehand.
The Gunners’ careful first-half approach has seen them concede just two goals before half-time in their six Premier League home games this term, which should please the north London faithful.
Signs of improvement have been evident on the other end of the pitch too. Arsenal have scored 2+ goals in three consecutive Premier League home matches before beating Watford 1-0 in their most recent outing at the Emirates.
Newcastle on their knees
Coming into this matchday, the Magpies are the only side yet to win a single Premier League match this season (D6, L6), sitting five points adrift of safety.
Another failed attempt to land the three points here would see Newcastle go winless in 13 consecutive Premier League games for the first time since March 2008.
It’s fair to say that the Tynesiders’ problems have emanated from their fragile backline that has yet to keep a clean sheet this term, conceding a league-high 27 goals in the process.
Yet, three of Newcastle’s last four Premier League away fixtures have yielded the identical 1-1 scoreline, suggesting Eddie Howe’s men could put up a fight.
Arsenal should pay special attention to the lightning-fast forward Allan Saint-Maximin, who already has three goals and three assists to his name this Premier League campaign.
It’s Auba time
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who missed a penalty against the Hornets, will be keen to return to the scoreboard for the first time since scoring in Arsenals 3-1 win over Aston Villa in late October.
Interestingly, all four of his Premier League goals scored this season have arrived at the Emirates, showing the captain feels confident in front of the home crowd.
The Gabonese forward enjoys playing against Newcastle, as witnessed by his telling return of six goals and three assists from nine appearances against the Magpies.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United Predicted Line-ups
Arsenal (4-4-1-1): Aaron Ramsdale; Kieran Tierney, Gabriel, Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu; Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Emile Smith Rowe; Alexandre Lacazette; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Newcastle United (3-4-3): Karl Darlow; Fabian Schar, Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark; Matt Ritchie, Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Willock, Jacob Murphy; Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson, Joelinton.
