By Matt Smith
Eddie Howe’s facet could possibly be going into this one with confidence, having overwhelmed Arsenal 3 times already this marketing campaign. Newcastle beat them within the Premier League earlier within the season, whereas in addition they gained 2-0 in each legs of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
Group information
Mikel Arteta just lately confirmed that Kai Havertz has an opportunity of returning to the squad after an extended harm lay-off, with medical employees and the German worldwide to resolve whether or not he’s accessible. Arteta was extra cautious on Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Gabriel Martinelli.
Newcastle could possibly be with out Sven Botman this weekend, however Howe has confirmed that he does have an opportunity of that includes. Kieran Trippier and Joelinton gained’t be accessible for the away facet.
Arsenal, the draw specialist
There’s little question the Gunners have been troublesome to beat this season, shedding simply 4 Premier League video games, yet one more than the champions Liverpool. Nevertheless, solely Everton (15) have drawn extra instances than Arsenal (14) this season, and that’s undoubtedly been the distinction between them and Arne Slot’s facet.
Being defensively sound hasn’t been sufficient for the Gunners, who’ve struggled to create possibilities in comparison with their rivals. Arsenal have produced simply 58.6 xG this time period, fewer than 5 Premier League sides.
Newcastle are lethal in assault
Having a striker like Alexander Isak is undoubtedly the dream for almost all of golf equipment in Europe, with the Swedish centre-forward offering 29 objectives and assists mixed in England’s prime flight.
The Magpies have scored 1.9 objectives per recreation this season, with solely Liverpool averaging extra, and it’s a key cause why they’re pushing Arsenal all the best way to complete second. Newcastle have been on a sensational run within the second half of the marketing campaign, shedding simply as soon as within the Premier League since twenty sixth February.
Murphy the unlikely hero
The likes of Isak and Anthony Gordon take a whole lot of the credit score for Newcastle’s attacking prowess, however Jacob Murphy has stepped up immensely this season. On the age of 30, Murphy is having fun with his finest season of his Premier League profession, racking up 20 objectives and assists mixed.
His kind has meant that even when Gordon and Harvey Barnes are each match, Howe has discovered a technique to match him within the facet. The versatile ahead was even deployed without any consideration wing-back in Newcastle’s earlier recreation, and it will likely be attention-grabbing to see the place he performs towards the Gunners.
Prediction
Arsenal have struggled in current weeks with little on the road, however the strain is ramping up with Newcastle capable of climb above them this weekend. We’re going for a 1-1 draw on the Emirates Stadium.
(Cowl picture from IMAGO)
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