Game Week 11 Predictions: Bookings, corners and goals galore at St. James's Park

Newcastle will take the battle to the Gunners when they come to town on Saturday but Arsenal will match their energy to give us a sensational game. (Photo credit: Arsenal.com)

 Newcastle vs. Arsenal

St. James’s Park

6:30pm

Newcastle is flying under Eddie Howe, and, despite not being up there in the top four at the moment like they were last season, they’re in the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup and not doing badly in the league.

The Magpies are beginning to feel the heat of Champions League football, and with a trip to Borussia Dortmund up next for them in midweek, hosting Arsenal at this point will be quite a challenge, but they have to do what they have to do.

Arsenal lost to West Ham at the London Stadium on Wednesday. They’re still unbeaten in the league, and this game away to Newcastle will test that. Arsenal also has a game against Sevilla in the Champions League coming up, but they will be playing at home.

Arsenal beat Sheffield United emphatically last weekend, with Eddy Nketiah hitting a hattrick. He would be expected to lead the line for the Gunners again on Saturday in the absence of Gabriel Jesus, but will he have a filled day again?

Newcastle settled for a 2-2 draw at Wolves last weekend, having led twice. They can be happy with the point that kept them within the top 6, but on points, they’re drifting too far away from the teams above them, and that’s a worry.

Newcastle will be without Aexander Isak and Sven Botman; Sandro Tonali is out of reckoning until next season; Harvey Barnes continues to heal from his long-term injury; but Joelinton is available for selection as well as Callum Wilson.

Arsenal will be without Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Jesus; Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to join Nketiah upfront, and they will trouble the hosts as best they can as they continue to find their rhythm.

Newcastle will defend deep and try to hit Arsenal on the counter, with Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon on either flank. Both sides will seek discipline as much as they can. It could get tempestuous at some points, but it should be fun to watch.

Arsenal beat the Magpies 2-0 on this ground last season with Martin Odegaard goals, and like music to the ears of the Gunners’ fans, the Norwegian is fit and available for selection again as he came off the bench to score a consolation goal in the loss at West Ham.

Verdict: Over 8.5 corners, both teams score.