‘More cautious than fear’ - The inside track on Arsenal and Newcastle United’s chances of claiming a shock win

Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United head to the capital this weekend knowing a shock win can kickstart their Premier League survival bid.

In recent years, a trip to Arsenal is usually ‘written off’ but this time, there is restored optimism and an understanding that points are needed and fast.

Can the Magpies pull a result off at the Emirates?

We catch up with LondonWorld’s Rahman Osman to give us the lowdown on Mikel Arteta’s men:

How do you sum up Arsenal’s start to the campaign?

RO: “Up until Liverpool last week, Arsenal had not lost in 10 games in all competitions and were coasting before being brought back to earth by a hammering in Anfield.

“The response to that defeat has been quite telling of where Arsenal are at the moment. I think there is a resignation within the fan base that the Mikel Arteta Project won’t be a quick fix and it will get worse before it gets better.

“Having said so, the jury is still out there for where they will be at the end of the season.

“It is also worth noting that fans might be more forgiving when it comes to losing to Liverpool but if they were to lose at home to a winless Newcastle, all hell might come crashing down on the manager.”

Do you anticipate an instant response from Arsenal after their hammering at Liverpool?

“Surely there should be some kind of response. The fans will be on the players to get at Newcastle who are desperate for their first win of the season.

“Arsenal have won their last seven encounters in all competitions and will want to keep up the chase for a place in the top four.

“There is also good news in that Thomas Partey, who was rushed back to play against Liverpool, has had a week’s training in the tank and will be fitter than he was last week.

“Mikel Arteta accused his players of being second best against Liverpool and he will definitely challenge them to be better than they were at Anfield.”

Will Arsenal fear a Newcastle United side fresh under management?

“I think the word will be more cautious than fear. Newcastle haven’t won a league game so far this season and they will come to the Emirates knowing they will have to ride their luck at some point.

“The beauty of football is that every game gives you a chance to be better or make up for a disappointment and I’m certain that is where Newcastle will be angling this at.

“So yes, even though Arsenal will be overwhelming favourites to get this done, there is always that element of surprise that could spring up and they will be wary of that.”

How do you expect Arsenal to line-up? Personnel, formation etc?

Arsenal’s predicted line-up (4-3-3): Aaron Ramsdale; Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney; Thomas Partey, Albert Sambi Lokonga; Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Can we push you for a score prediction?

Arsenal to return to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle.