PREVIEW | Arsenal vs Newcastle [Premier League, Matchweek 34]

Following the Cityzens' victory over Arsenal, the situation at the top of the Premier League has become so dramatic that this year's winner could ultimately be decided by goal difference. Manchester City confirmed this theory in the rearranged fixture of the thirty-fourth round at Turf Moor, where they defeated Burnley by the narrowest possible margin, taking them to the top spot. Currently, the situation at the top looks like Manchester and Arsenal have the same number of points and goal difference. However, Pep Guardiola's side has scored three more goals, meaning they are ahead of Arsenal thanks to this statistic. The end of this season's English Premier League campaign couldn't have been more dramatic. Neutral fans will most appreciate the situation at the top, while all the Gunners' supporters will be holding their breath and hoping it will finally happen this year. At all costs. Even if it's just by the aforementioned goal difference. Arsenal had over the course of the seasonsand there were several opportunities where he could have pulled away from his rival, but he never properly confirmed his lead, and so here we are.

Basic information

📅 Date and time	🏟️ Stadium	⚽️ Match	🏆 Competition
25. 4. 2026, 18:30 (CET)	Emirates Stadium	Arsenal v Newcastle	Premier League (Round 33)

Form

Based on the recent results of both teams, it could be said that the Emirates Stadium will witness a battle of „the blind leading the blind“ on Saturday evening. In their last five matches, both Arsenal and Newcastle have only managed to win once, so form cannot be spoken of in the case of either team. Mikel Arteta's, nor Eddie Howe. However, Arsenal are playing for a lot, and in a way, their match against Newcastle is a symbolic start to an extremely tight title race. Now it's time to forget their previous form and start from scratch.

Arsenal

📈 Current form: 🔴 🟡 🔴 🟢 🔴

⚽️ ResultsManchester City 2:1 Arsenal (PL), Arsenal 0:0 Sporting (CL), Arsenal 1:2 Bournemouth (PL), Sporting 0:1 Arsenal (CL), Southampton 2:1 Arsenal (FA Cup)

🏆 Premier League position: 2nd (70 points)

Newcastle

📈 Current form: 🔴 🔴 🔴 🔴 🟢

⚽️ ResultsNewcastle 1:2 Bournemouth (PL), Crystal Palace 2:1 Newcastle (PL), Newcastle 1:2 Sunderland (PL), Barcelona 7:2 Newcastle (CL), Chelsea 0:1 Newcastle (PL)

🏆 Premier League position: 14th (42 points)

Team and expected line-up

Although Arsenal face their first Champions League semi-final of the week in Madrid against home team Atlético, they cannot afford to rest their players in the league match against Newcastle. I believe I have explained sufficiently in the previous lines why this is the case. As far as the clash with Newcastle is concerned, I expect Arsenal to field the strongest possible line-up.

Predicted Arsenal vs Newcastle lineup

Defence

Assuming David Raya is fit, he will start in goal for all of Arsenal's remaining matches, whether in the Premier League or the Champions League. The same applies to the centre-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel. Conversely, we will definitely see some rotation on the full-back positions in the coming days and weeks. So, who will start against Newcastle? On the left side of the defensive four, Piero Hincapié should again line up, despite the return of Riccardo Calafiori from the sidelines. On the other side of the pitch, I expect Ben White to get an opportunity this time. Arsenal must push forward, and White is, after all, more offensively minded than Cristhian Mosquera. For the match against Newcastle, according to Mikel Arteta himself, he should continue to be absent. Jurriën Timber, so other variants are out of the question.

Midfield

I was personally very surprised when Martin Ødegaard ran out for the match against Manchester City from the very first minute last week. The Norwegian footballer played the whole game, which suggests he is definitely back after his injury, and therefore he should not be missing from the starting line-up against Newcastle either. He will be joined in central midfield by the traditional starting members, Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice.

Attack

The most variations again are offered by the offence, or rather the wingers and the central striker. The return should be a great boost for the Arsenal team Bukayo Saka, who, according to the Spanish manager, will be part of the squad for tomorrow's match. However, I don't think the English international will start from the first minute. For the right-wing midfield position, or rather the wing, Noni Madueke is once again the biggest favourite. On the other side of the pitch, competition is even greater following the return of the team captain. Eberechi Eze played on the left wing against the Cityzens, bringing something slightly different to Arsenal's game than Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard. Another fundamental question is, who will lead the attack? Will it once again be Kai Havertz Or will Viktor Gyökeres return to the starting lineup? I don't know why, but I have a feeling that the Swedish striker will be preferred this time around.

Absences

Believe it or not, but from Mikel Arteta's pre-match press conference, we actually learned specific information about the players' fitness this time. Mikel Merino, who is recovering from surgery on his ankle, is aiming for a return before the end of the season, but it is still too early for his comeback. Jurriën Timber also remains out injured, having been dealing with groin problems since the match against Everton. And that, surprisingly, should be all. According to the Spanish manager, Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori will be ready to feature in the match against Newcastle. Although I don't expect either of them to start, the return of this pair is great news!

Opponent

🏟️ Stadium: St. James’ Park, Newcastle (capacity 52,305)

👔 Manager: Eddie Howe

🧤Goalkeepers: Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope

🛡️ Defenders: Sven Botman, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall, Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento, Alex Murphy, Fabian Schär, Malick Thiaw, Kieran Trippier

🎯 Midfielders: Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, Lewis Miley, Jacob Murphy, Jacob Ramsey, Sandro Tonali, Joe Willock

⚽️ Forwards: Harvey Barnes, Anthony Elanga, Anthony Gordon, William Osula, Yoane Wissa, Nick Woltemade

🚑 Injuries: Emil Krafth, Tino Livramento, Fabian Schär, Anthony Gordon

⚠️ Suspensions: Joelinton

Match

This has already been mentioned a few times today, but I will remind you one more time, for the last time. Arsenal must win their match against Newcastle unconditionally to stay in the title race. Given that they have the same number of points as Manchester City after thirty-three games played (and a worse head-to-head record), they will need to not only get three points but ideally also improve their goal difference. How will this translate into Arsenal's approach to the match? I hope positively. Specifically, that Mikel Arteta's charges will hold the reins of the match firmly in their hands, that they will push for a finish, and that they will not let their opponent catch their breath. I would like to see a performance from Arsenal that sends a message to Manchester that we are not letting them take the title this time.

While their current form doesn't suggest a goal-fest from Mikel Arteta's team, Newcastle are also in a pretty dire state recently. Furthermore, Arsenal will be playing at home, and could therefore properly please their fans after a long time. Bukayo Saka could also contribute to this, returning to the pitch after a month-long injury layoff. Expectations are high in North London, so hopefully the Arsenal footballers will meet them.

Tip for an accurate result

Although there are countless scenarios, I firmly believe that the Gunners will win at home. Not only that, they will win by a larger goal difference, thus applying pressure on their Manchester rival. I have decided to be an optimist. I predict Arsenal will win 4:1.

Next match

Not only the Premier League but also the Champions League is heading towards its finale. In their next match, Arsenal will take to the pitch as part of the Champions League semi-finals, with the first leg taking place on Spanish soil against Atlético Madrid. The match is scheduled for Wednesday, 29th April 2026, at 21:00 (CET).

See you next time, I'll look forward to it!

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