Arsenal will be keen to return to winning ways when they welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Gunners suffered a shocking 1-0 loss to Porto in their Champions League clash on Wednesday, while Eddie Howe’s side picked up a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in their latest league outing.
Match Preview
Arsenal were full of confidence when they headed to Portugal for the first-leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Porto.
But they were stunned by the Primeira Liga side who sealed a 1-0 success after a stoppage time goal from Galeno.
Mikel Arteta’s men dominated possession but failed to have a single shot on target.
The Gunners had plenty of set-piece opportunities but the lack of finishing let them down.
Arsenal must now be at their best in the return leg at the Emirates Stadium if they hope to progress to the quarterfinals of the European competition.
But for now, they refocus their energies on the Premier League where they are in a fierce title race with Liverpool and Manchester City.
The North Londoners have won each of their previous five top-flight encounters in the new year but still find themselves five points behind the Reds.
On the other hand, Newcastle earned a dramatic point against Bournemouth after Matt Ritchie scored an injury-time goal to secure a 2-2 draw.
The Cherries twice led the St James’ Park encounter but were pegged back each time by the hosts.
The latest result means the Magpies have climbed to eighth in the Premier League table with a point behind Brighton & Hove Albion.
Team News
Arsenal saw the return of Fabio Vieira to the matchday squad against Porto, but Thomas Partey was still missing. Jurrien Timber is also set to remain sidelined, while the availability of Takehiro Tomiaysu, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are also doubtful for the weekend’s Premier League clash.
As for Newcastle, several players will be out due to injury issues, including Nick Pope, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson. Meanwhile, Alexander Isak is closing in on a return and could be part of the matchday squad on Saturday.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United potential line-ups
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Jorginho; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Newcastle United: Dubravka; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Miley; Almiron, Gordon, Barnes
How to Watch?
You can watch all Premier League games in England through streaming sites, including Arsenal vs Newcastle United.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United prediction
Arsenal were far from their best in their midweek fixture against Porto but they are expected to bounce back in front of their own crowd on Saturday. Newcastle’s performances have improved in February but they still look very vulnerable in defence.
Arsenal 2-1 Newcastle United
