Newcastle United face an Arsenal side that returned to winning ways on Tuesday night following their 3-1 win over Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners’ Premier League title challenge has faltered in recent weeks after a four-game winless streak handing the initiative to reigning champions Manchester City.
Although Mikel Arteta’s side returned to the top of the table after beating Chelsea, Man City, who face West Ham United this evening (kick-off 8pm), have two games in hand and sit just two points behind.
Arsenal simply have no room for error between now and the end of the season - and there aren’t many tougher places to visit than St James’ Park right now.
Newcastle, who need three wins from their remaining five fixtures to mathematically guarantee their first top-four finish since 2002-03, have lost just once on home turf this term.
Ahead of the meeting, NewcastleWorld takes a look at the latest injury and team news from both camps.
Get the latest Newcastle United headlines with our free football newsletter! Follow the action from St James’ Park and beyond as we bring the sport news to you. Visit our website here to sign up.
1. Newcastle United's English midfielder Sean Longstaff (C) vies with Arsenal's Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium in London on January 3, 2023. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ben Stansall / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
2. Mohammed Elneny - out
The Egyptian midfielder will miss the rest of the campaign after undergoing knee surgery.
3. Emil Krafth - out
Krafth picked up an ACL injury in August, and while the Swede is approaching the latter stages of his recovery, he’s unlikely to play again this season. Photo: Gualter Fatia
4. Ryan Fraser - out
Fraser is unlikely to play for Newcastle again after falling out with Eddie Howe. The Scottish winger has spent the last couple of months training with the under-21s. Photo: Jan Kruger