Football

Newcastle v Arsenal Predicted Lineups: Gabriel a doubt ahead of Gunners trip to St James’ Park

May 6, 2023 10:16 pm
Newcastle v Arsenal Predicted Lineups: Gabriel a doubt ahead of Gunners trip to St James’ Park
Arsenal players surround referee Andrew Madley as they appeal for a hand ball during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday January 3, 2023. - Photo by Icon sport

Arsenal travel to Newcastle for a top-three showdown at St James’ park as Mikel Arteta’s side aim for three points to keep on the tail of Manchester City. The Gunners will be hopeful in building on their previous win against Chelsea earlier this week, in what was their first victory from their previous four fixtures. 

Pep Guardiola’s City have a four point lead on the Reds after beating Leeds United on Saturday afternoon but anything can happen in the Premier League, so a win at St James’ is vital as it will keep Arteta’s side in the title race – but it will be far from easy. 

Newcastle United host Arsenal on a streak of hot form with five wins in their previous six games, scoring a statement 20 goals in the process and sitting comfortably within the top four. 

It’s a chance for both teams to state their intentions on how they plan to end the season, with anything but a win for the visitors more than likely taking the title away from their grasp. The two clubs last met in January, where they held out a dramatic 0-0 draw at the Emirates that was equally contested by score, but a match that the Gunners dominated with 67% possession and recording 17 shots in 90 minutes. 

The match will be available to watch for UK viewers on Sky Sports, with kick off coming at 16:30 on Sunday afternoon. 

Newcastle United Team News: Will Allan Saint-Maximin feature against Arsenal?

Eddie Howe provided an encouraging update on injured duo Sean Longstaff and Allan Saint-Maximin, although the pair remain a doubt for Sunday. Despite missing recent action due to a hamstring injury, Howe revealed that Saint-Maximin had returned to training and had trained “really well”. 

Longstaff on the other hand is yet to return to training, but will be back with the team imminently after sustaining a foot injury at Goodison Park during Newcastle’s 1-4 demolition of Everton. Emile Krafth and Jamal Lascelles are long-term doubts for the Magpies and will not be in action for the remainder of the season. 

While the injuries are a blow for Newcastle’s depth, Howe’s team are full of confidence, particularly due to the form of Alexander Isak, who has scored 10 goals in 17 appearances this season. Seven of his goals have come in his last seven games, finding a perfect time to hit peak form ahead of Arsenal’s visit, where he could really punish the Gunners’ depleted defence. 

 Arsenal academy graduate Joe Willock will be looking forward to welcoming his former club to St James’ Park, the 23-year-old has been another forward to flourish under Howe, being a star performer all season and contributing to nine goals – assisting six and scoring three himself. 

It’s been a season of success for the Magpies, who look almost certain to feature in the Champions League next season for the first time since the 2002/03 season. A win against Arsenal would extend their three point lead on Manchester United in fourth, with just five games remaining for the club this season. 

Arsenal Team News: Could Gabriel’s injury against Chelsea be a huge blow for Mikel Arteta?

The Gunners have struggled in their previous five games, picking up just one win after three consecutive draws tainted their title hopes before being obliterated by Manchester City at the Etihad. 

After their efforts all season, Arteta’s side will be pushing to the finish line to chase Guardiola’s emphatic squad for the title until the final day, however a win at St James’ is critical to their push to the end. 

The injury of William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu proved all-too punishing for the Gunners, who have suffered in their absence with lack of depth to attempt to bridge the gap the defenders left in the squad. 

Arsenal will be without the pair once again, however new anxieties emerged following victory against Chelsea on Tuesday, when Gabriel Magalhaes was forced to withdraw towards the end of the match due to injury. 

 

Arteta revealed in his pre-match press conference that the Brazilian being unable to complete the 90 minutes was a “big sign”, and was unable to confirm his fitness status ahead of the fixture. 

The Spaniard touched upon his last trip to St James’ Park, when the Gunners lost 0-2 in May 2022, saying his side would have to play “much better” than they did on that disappointing day. 

It’s a huge occasion for both sides who have a lot on the line in the closing moments of the season, only time will tell who will prevail.

Words by Rosie Tudball

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