The marathon continues. Premier League, Champions League, Premier League, EFL Cup and now the Premier League again. All in the space of just two weeks. The schedule of English teams fighting on the European stage is really demanding after the national break. However, Sunday's game at St James’ Park will be evenly matched, at least from that perspective. Quality should therefore be the decisive factor in the match. Of course, there are many more aspects to take into account. Among the most important ones are injuries, current form or the home environment. In this blog, I will focus on everything that is important to know before the match. However, we will have to wait to see what the game will really look like. One thing is for sure though, two very high quality teams who don't like each other much will meet on Sunday. Arsenal have not been doing well at Newcastle for a long time, will their charges Mikel Arteta's to take all three points at Newcastle?
Form
Despite the fact that the season started relatively recently, it's already in full swing. In addition to league competitions, we have the cup competitions, both European and domestic. As I mentioned in the introduction, Arsenal and Newcastle have similarly packed calendars this year, which gives me room for a very objective comparison of both teams. So let's traditionally start by looking at the form of both players in Sunday's encounter.
Arsenal
In my last blog I deliberately left out the section with the form, or rather I kept it very brief. Now, on the contrary we will look at the results and performances again in a little more detail. In the Premier League, all teams have five games under their belt and Arsenal are no exception. In addition, the Gunners have already entered the Champions League and the League Cup (EFL Cup).
Mikel Arteta's charges have a record in the league three wins, one draw and one defeat. Ten points out of fifteen possible is definitely not an ideal statistic for a team that is supposed to strive for the championship title. On the other hand, the only loss of the season so far came at Anfield and a draw at home to Manchester City, so I would certainly didn't make a big deal out of the results so far. I'm more worried about Arsenal's play itself, which is firstly not very consistent and secondly is often despite territorial superiority and a lot of pressure no idea and mainly no danger to the opponent's goal. The team around the Spanish manager will have to work on that. The quality of the team is huge despite the large squad.
In his first performance Arsenal take three points in the Champions League after a 2-0 win at Bilbao in Spain. The next cup match and the last competitive match Arsenal players played was against third division Port Vale in the EFL Cup. Arsenal handled their lower league opponent and advanced to the next round. The match also ended Gunners win 2:0.
Arsenal's overall form is positive, but with room for improvement. The Gunners' biggest strength in the new season, as in the previous ones, is a solid defensive line. In seven competitive games Arsenal have conceded only twice.
Newcastle
Newcastle in the Premier League so far remains far behind expectations. Of the five games played, England manager Eddie Howe's charges they've only managed to win once. And against Wolverhampton last time out. In addition to their one win, Newcastle also picked up three draws and one defeat. For the team that Newcastle are, it's simply not enough. But what is definitely worth mentioning is the defensive performance. Nick Pope has managed to keep four clean sheets in five games. The Magpies have only conceded in one single game (against reigning champions Liverpool), in which they also played the entire second half shorthanded. However, a 3-3 record and six points after five rounds is not a good form.
In the Champions League, Newcastle faced a tough test in the form of a match against Barcelona, which ultimately ended a narrow 1:2 loss to Newcastle. However, Newcastle responded to defeat in one cup competition by winning another. Sure, it's hard to compare the Champions League and the EFL Cup, but every win counts. In the aforementioned League Cup. Newcastle beat League One (Third Division) leaders Bradford City comfortably 4-1.
Newcastle's results to date and associated form are far from ideal. Newcastle have struggled so far this season, especially in the end, but their defensive stats are very solid.
Team and expected line-up
Significant squad rotation in Wednesday's cup match allowed some key players in Arsenal's line-up to save their strength for the tough game against Newcastle. It is expected that The Spanish manager will go for a similar starting eleven to the one he used in the last league game against Manchester City. But as it is unfortunately usual for Arsenal this year, the squad has grown again, with the new addition of Noni Madueke, who is expected to miss up to two months. On the other hand, the brain of the team, Martin Ødegaard, should return to the squad. So what line-up will Mikel Arteta ultimately choose for the game against Newcastle?
David Raya
In goal, there will be back David Raya. Although Kepa did well in his competitive debut, the number one position at Arsenal belongs to his compatriot. Mikel Arteta has no reason to change anything in the long run at the goalkeeper position.
Jurriën Timber
Jurriën Timber was one of several players who did not feature at all in the cup match at Port Vale. The reason is probably clear to all and is the same for his teammates who either did not feature in the game at all or only came on for a few dozen minutes. The Dutch defensive all-rounder should definitely not be missing from the starting line-up at St James’ Park. Ben White, who played seventy minutes on Wednesday, has returned after health problems, but he will have to take some time to fully "Health"comeback wait.
William Saliba
William Saliba To my great surprise, he started in the starting line-up in Wednesday's cup match at the ground of third-league Port Vale. But that doesn't change the fact that the French stopper is expected to play on Sunday at Newcastle. On the other hand, his deployment in the EFL Cup match proves that Saliba is 100% fit again after his ankle injury.
Gabriel
It is impossible to imagine Arsenal's line-up without the Brazilian leader of the defensive line. Gabriel appeared on the pitch against Port Vale, but only for twenty minutes, and so should be rested and fully prepared for the Newcastle fight. Assuming that Nick Woltemade will start for Newcastle at the top of the attack, Gabriel's presence will be crucial for Arsenal's defensive line.
Riccardo Calafiori
Just like his colleague from the other side of the field, Jurriën Timber, the Riccardo Calafiori he was given the week off by the manager in the sense that he didn't get into the cup game at all. Myles Lewis-Skelly came in on the left edge of the defence, and although he put in a very decent performance (he even earned the player of the match award according to Livesport), but Italian defender to return to the starting line-up against Newcastle.
Martín Zubimendi
Martín Zubimendi after his move to north London played full minutes in all competitive games, and so it probably came as no surprise that he did not appear on the pitch in Wednesday's game. But he'll definitely be back in the starting line-up with Newcastle. Mikel Arteta relies on his ability quite a bit and Zubimendi has proven why that is the case several times. And I don't mean his two goals against Nottingham, but his overall contribution to the game.
Declan Rice
Often inconspicuous on the field, but all the more a necessary piece of the Gunners' squad. I have talked about this several times before and I will certainly talk about it in the future. Declan Rice he's one of Arsenal's most important players and I'm hardly going to be convinced otherwise. His physical attributes will come in handy in the middle of the park at St James’ Park. Newcastle have a very powerful approach to the game.
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze was part of the starting eleven at Vale Park, where he opened his Arsenal scoring account. At the senior level. After his debut, it was reported on social media that the goal was not Eze's first but his fifty-first. Source? Eze's mum, who kept her own stats during his early days at the North London club. With a question mark hovering over Martin Ødegaard's start, Eze should be the obvious choice for the number ten position. Alternatively, the less experienced Ethan Nwaneri could step in, but certainly Mikel Arteta should reach for a creative player. The midfield lineup of Zumbimendi - Rice - Merino is not the right choice in my opinion.
Bukayo Saka
The fact that Bukayo Saka returned to the team for the clash with Manchester City, in which he played the whole second half, surprised me a lot. Mikel Arteta subsequently used him in Wednesday's cup game as well. The Arsenal star even started from the first minute and lasted on the pitch for about an hour. The Spanish manager's intention is obvious, to get Saku up to match pace and fitness before. With Noni Madueke injured, there is probably no doubt who will start on Sunday.
Gabriel Martinelli
Although Gabriel Martinelli played almost the entire EFL Cup game this week, and his biggest competitor at the moment, Leandro Trossard, only came on for the final 10 minutes (and scored a goal to boot), I have a hunch, that at St James’ Park the Brazilian footballer will start on the left wing from the first minute, who also asked for a place in the starting lineup with his performances in recent weeks.
Viktor Gyökeres
The offensive line should once again be led by the latest winner of last season's best forward award (Gerd Müller Trophy) Viktor Gyökeres. If his teammates supply him with meaningful passes and get him chances, the Swedish striker will score goals. That's a simple equation, but one that Arsenal players have so far failed to apply in practice. A creative player in the number 10 position (be it Eze, Nwaneri or Ødegaard) and maybe even the return of Bukay Saka should help.
Substitutes
As for the substitutes' bench, everything should return to "Original"Status. After a decent debut in the competition and zero saves, he will return as a substitute goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who traditionally leaves the place between the three poles to his compatriot David Ray, who is the unshakable number one. The midfielders should be ready to hit the ground running Cristhian Mosquera, Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Christian Nørgaard, Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri and Leandro Trossard. This leaves the last vacancy on the substitutes' bench, which will most likely be filled by Martin Ødegaard.
Although we don't know the detailed health of the Arsenal captain, Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Norwegian footballer trained with the team during the week. This is a big hint that he should be part of the squad that travels to St James’ Park on Sunday. So the nomination this time should not include Piero Hincapiéwho has been dealing with minor health issues for the past two weeks, nor the young man Max Dowman. However, it is possible that someone will unexpectedly drop out of the nomination and be replaced by Piero Hincapié or Max Dowman. I haven't seen any new news about Hincapié's status, so his participation in the sixth round remains a question.
Out of the game are Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke. There is still some uncertainty about the health of captain Martin Ødegaard and the new signing Pierre Hincapie, whom I have already mentioned, especially the Ecuadorian representative, so we will have to wait for the nomination of Mikel Arteta.
About the opponent
Newcastle are a team with tremendous quality, as evidenced by the fact that they have once again proved themselves against the English greats to fight their way into the famous Champions League. Despite the departure of Alexander Isak, there are some other very interesting names in Eddie Howe's team. Some of the biggest stars and stalwarts in the Newcastle line-up are midfielders Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali. The support between the three bars is Nick Pope, defensively, not only stands out with its height of almost two meters Dan Burn, it's worth mentioning also the extreme defenders Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier. The face of the offense is again Anthony Gordon. The Magpies management was also active in the transfer market. Over the summer, significant offensive signings arrived in Newcastle, including Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa.
I'd hate to forget a tradition of mine, which is Mention of the opposition players who were previously at Arsenal. The first is Joe Willock, a North London international who has been with Newcastle since the 2020/2021 season, when he first headed to St James’ Park on loan, followed almost immediately by a permanent transfer. Another footballer with a history at Emirates Stadium is goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is currently on loan at Newcastle from second division Southampton. The English goalkeeper is backing up his more experienced compatriot Nick Popa in Eddie Howe's squad. It's not very likely that Aaron Ramsdale will be in goal against Arsenal, but we could see Joe Willock on the pitch.
Game-wise, he's typical of Newcastle physically demanding and aggressive style of play with a quick transition to offense. In addition, defensive play is also one of the team's strengths. Newcastle doesn't usually score very often and this season is a perfect proof of that. Add to all this the quality of the players and the width of the squad, and Eddie Howe's team can certainly, deservedly, match the best in England.
Match
In a word, War. That's exactly the kind of fight I expect and that's what most of the recent fights between the two rivals have been like. As far as the quality of the players is concerned. in both camps we find a number of great footballers. Arsenal are slightly better off in this respect. And this is especially thanks to the last summer transfer period, in which the North London team has strengthened significantly. In favour of Mikel Arteta's charges could play and form, or pressure. Newcastle are not doing well in the Premier League so far and with each successive bad result the pressure will grow. Going into the Arsenal game in this frame of mind is certainly not a pleasant experience. On the contrary Eddie Howe's team will have the advantage of a home environment. The atmosphere at St James’ Park is renowned.
What to expect from the match except of intense fights and high tempo? Arsenal should dominate the game with the ball at their feet. Newcastle on the other hand, in my opinion, will focus on going on the offensive quickly after gaining the ball while playing patiently in the defensive phase. I don't think Eddie Howe will go into the game with a purely defensive tactic, which could benefit the game itself.
According to the bookmakers, Arsenal is the paper favourite, but of course that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Personally, I expect very even matchwhich will be decided by a single goal given the defensive statistics of both teams and the weight of the game. I predict a close Arsenal win 1:0.
Next match
Mikel Arteta's charges will play their next competitive match in the middle of the week, namely Wednesday 1 October 2025 at 21:00 (CET), when they will play their Champions League home match against Olympiakos. The Gunners will be back in their traditional home competition this weekend, hosting neighbouring West Ham at Emirates Stadium on Saturday 4 October 2025 from 16:00.
See you next time, I'll look forward to it!
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Editor, administrator and editor of the True Gunner Diary website, but above all a devoted Arsenal fan. I started with sports articles at the Tipsport bookmaker, where I have published more than 100 blogs. If you want to know more about me, check out the section of the same name here on the site.