‘Where is the progress?’ - Newcastle United vs Arsenal labelled ‘must-win’ fixture
Newcastle United entertain Arsenal at St James’ Park in what promises to be a thrilling Premier League clash this weekend.
The pundits have given their predictions ahead of a mouth-watering fixture at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United and Arsenal have endured countless battles over the years - but the temperature has risen since the Saudi-backed takeover. The Magpies boast the upper hand in recent times when the two have met on Tyneside.
Three wins on the bounce at St James’ Park has made Eddie Howe’s men a bogey team for Mikel Arteta and Co. Both sides are aiming to get back in the Premier League win column following draws last weekend and, ahead of the clash, NewcastleWorld has profiled how the experts believe the game will pan out.
Paul Merson
“Newcastle always turn up against Arsenal,” he wrote in his SportsKeeda column. “The fans at St James' Park are always good, but they just get a bit more electric in this fixture! Arsenal have lost their last three games there, so this is a tricky game for them.
“If Liverpool are held to a draw at Crystal Palace, Arsenal wouldn't mind walking away with a point here. But if the league leaders get another three points, this game automatically falls into the must-win category.
“When you look at Arsenal, they would have faced all of Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle after this weekend. Imagine spending big and not beating any of these three teams that finished in the top five last season? Where is the progress then? Arsenal have a good run of fixtures coming up after this game. But if you don't beat Newcastle, you are basically entering that run with an eight-point lead to chase down.
“If you're a team in the title race, you don't want to be playing catch up when the easy fixtures come along, you want to use them to get away from other contenders and kick on instead! Arsenal must not sit back in this game, if they do that, Newcastle will score.
“I'd play Saka, Eze and Viktor Gyokeres as the front-three here but I don't think Arteta will do that if I'm being honest. I have a feeling Gabriel Martinelli will start instead of Eze. He's a disciplined player and can be useful with his pace. But Eze is the X-factor, he can unlock defences like he showed it against City.
“We saw how Newcastle gave Liverpool a strong fight with just 10 men at St James' Park earlier this season. Liverpool were very fortunate to come away with a win in that game. If you're Arsenal, you want to match what Liverpool did here, but I don't think they can do it.”
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-1 Arsenal
Chris Sutton
“This has become a bit of a grudge match since Newcastle's controversial win at St James' Park in 2023,” he told BBC Sport. “Arsenal have lost on their past three visits but even a draw might not help them much this time, because they cannot afford to fall any further behind Liverpool at the top of the table.
“So, Mikel Arteta really needs a win, but how will he approach this? Does he regard Newcastle as a top side and, if so, will he play his robust midfield trio again in the middle of the park?
“He seems to be quite negative and defensive in games like this, and I think it is a legitimate question to ask if Arsenal can win the Premier League by being that cautious. Arteta really needs to go for it more. I am finding Newcastle difficult to predict because they do not score many goals, but they are still hard to beat.
“There are a few reasons why I am backing Arsenal - Bukayo Saka is fit again and, if Eze starts as well, they will carry a real threat. They have got Gabriel Martinelli too - but what happens here is really down to Arteta.”
Prediction: Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal