Game Week 10 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Newcastle

Newcastle vs Arsenal preview: injuries, Arsenal's title chase, and Newcastle's recent struggles. Can the Gunners secure 3 points at St. James’s Park.

Newcastle United will hope to get one over Arsenal again at St. James's Park but will the Gunners let them? (Photo credit: Opta)

Newcastle vs. Arsenal

St. James’s Park

1:30pm

The Newcastle United we met after the big takeover and the hiring of Eddie Howe isn’t the same one we’re seeing now; the 2-0 win over Chelsea in the League Cup doesn’t exactly blind our eyes to the struggles of the Magpies.

Despite creating many great chances, Newcastle lost at home to Brighton in the league before losing 2-1 at Chelsea. However, they made their fans happy in midweek when they eliminated Chelsea from the Carabao Cup, securing a spot in the last eight.

Due to injuries, Arsenal's season has been somewhat difficult, but the Gunners are still third in the standings. If they want to compete for the Premier League title, they cannot afford to lose any more points at this point.

Their only loss this season in all competitions remains the one at Bournemouth, where they went down to ten men yet again after only 23 minutes with William Saliba walking off for what was deemed a professional foul.

The red card meant the Frenchman missed the home game against Liverpool, which Arsenal was unlucky to draw having led 1-0 and 2-1 at certain points. The Gunners did beat Preston North End away from home on Wednesday to set up a quarterfinal clash at the Emirates against Crystal Palace.

What is this fixture looking like? Last season, a controversial goal against the Gunners gave Newcastle a win, much to Mikel Arteta's ire, who called the decision "a disgrace".

Newcastle will be without Callum Wilson and Keiran Trippier, who are both struggling with injuries, but Alexander Isak should be available for selection after nursing a problem in midweek. Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy are both doubts, but Eddie Howe is confident they will both make it.

After limping off injured last weekend, Arsenal’s Brazilian defender Gabriel is in line for a swift comeback from injury after training on Friday, but Martin Odegaard and Ricardo Calafiori will both sit this one out.

Bukayo Saka continues to impress this season, recording a goal contribution in every game he has played, including a banger of a goal against Liverpool on his return last weekend. Newcastle will hope to get a result here to help their cause, but will the Gunners let them?

Verdict: A straight win for Arsenal.