Arsenal are set to host Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in what would be a thrilling encounter on Sunday.
Things haven’t been the same for both clubs since the reverse fixture being played in early November where Newcastle scored through Gordon in what was condemned to be a very controversial goal against Arsenal.
The run of form for Newcastle ever since hasn’t been the greatest. They ended up being kicked out of their group in the UCL, they were also regarded to be easily competing with the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa for 4th spot. From strongly holding the 6th spot to currently managing to sit at 8th place.
Arsenal on the other hand our unbeaten in the PL in 2024, scoring a record breaking 21 goals in the 5 matches that they’ve played. Quite impressive going forward and scoring goals and at the same time resisting any goals in the back of their own net.
Competing in a 3-horse race with Liverpool and Man City, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners cannot afford to drop points against the Magpies.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Date: 25th February 2024, Sunday
Time: 1:30 AM IST
Venue: Emirates Stadium
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Paul Tierney
Assistants: Neil Davies, Nick Hopton
Fourth Official: Anthony Taylor
VAR: Peter Bankes
Assistant VAR: Lee Betts
TEAM NEWS
Jurien Timber is still recovering from his long-term knee injury and is expected to return early next month. Fabio Viera was in the squad that travelled to Porto midweek.
Arteta addressed in his presser that Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are very close to returning to the team. Tomiyasu still hasn’t recovered from his injury and is being assessed ahead of the fixture.
Alexander Isak is hoping to return and so is ex Arsenal youngster, Joe Willock. Schar picked up a wrist injury and is being assessed ahead of the game.
Wilson, Joelinton and Nick Pope are the long-term injuries the Magpies are going through.
PRE-GAME TACTICAL ANALYSIS
With Newcastle not being in their best form, Arsenal have the chance to be dominant from the 1st minute and maximize by keeping them out of the game from the very beginning.
Arsenal who are expected to go with the same lineup with significant changes like Ben White inverting from the right, Saliba playing as the progressional CB and Gabriel being the CCB can be a different route in creating attacks for Arsenal.
The linkup play between Havertz and Trossard can be vital in the final 3rd as we’ve seen both of them form a formidable combination.
Arteta does have the option to rely on his deadball specialists in whipping in deliveries from the corners and freekicks for the big guys in the XI to pounce on. With 25 set-piece goals (including penalties) this season, it is a club-record high in a single Premier League campaign since 2004-2005.
Scoring goals at the Emirates has been an issue for Newcastle with the last away goal scored by them was back in Ayoze Perez found the net in 2014; Yes, almost 10 seasons back.
Newcastle’s defensive record hasn’t been the greatest in 2024 either, conceding 16 in their last 6 games. They’ll be hoping to stop Arsenal’s attackers and create something themselves.
Arsenal have managed to keep 7 clean sheets at home against Newcastle, they’ve never kept 8 against a single opponent in a row on home soil. With the least goals conceded this season, Arsenal have a chance to set an unique record to their name.
Can the Gunners take the revenge against the Magpies following their bitter grudge to their defeat back in November?
KEY PLAYERS
Bukayo Saka:
Arsenal’s Starboy is in red hot form netting 6 goals in the last 4 games. Managing back-to-back braces against West Ham (6-0) and Burnley (5-0), Arsenal’s primary attacker has been consistent with his ability to influence the game. It’s Saka’s directness, 1v1 dribbling skills and playstyle that set him apart from others. Dan Burn could have a long night against Saka as he’s usually struggled against pacey wingers. Whenever needed, Saka defensively helps by tracking back and engaging in pressing to win the ball back.
Kieran Trippier:
The English international has been ever present at the back but moreover been leading the charts when it comes to assisting his teammates with 10 assists to his name. Trippier boasts his accurate crossing skills making him one of the deadliest deal ball specialists in the league. Its no surprise that he has the vision to create chances for his teammates, he can switch play quickly with one-inch perfect pass that can create trouble for Arsenal. He could moreover take advantage of Arsenal’s inverted fullbacks by making effective overlaps.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Arsenal predicted XI vs Newcastle: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior, Rice, Havertz , Odegaard, Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Newcastle predicted XI vs Arsenal: Dubravka, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn, Longstaff, Guimares, Miley, Almiron, Gordon, Barnes.
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