PREVIEW: Arsenal vs Newcastle United

Arsenal welcome Newcastle United to the Emirates at 8pm on Saturday. The Gunners will be hoping to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Porto in midweek in the Champions League.

Injury News - Arsenal

Jurrien Timber remains out but when asked about if he could return before the end of the season, Mikel Arteta said: "I really hope so, he's doing really well, he's been around some players on the pitch and we are going to start to do some bits with us in the next week or so." 

There was also positive news surrounding the return of Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus, with Arteta stating that both are "very close". There is a possibility that both could play some part in the match but Arteta added that they needed to be cautious with Partey and "really nail the timing" of his return. Oleksandr Zinchenko is considered to be close as well, with Takehiro Tomiyasu just behind with his fitness. 

Fabio Vieira made a return to the squad on Wednesday and is expected to be included once more. 

Injury News - Newcastle United

Sandro Tonali remains suspended for breaching betting rules, while Callum Wilson, Joelinton, Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Elliot Anderson are all out with injuries. Meanwhile, Fabian Schar is expected to be fit for the match having recently suffered a wrist injury.

Former Arsenal man, Joseph Willock, could be included in the squad but will be assessed ahead of the game. Eddie Howe said: "It has been a long time for Joe; he is a huge player for us. We are pleased for him to be back amongst the group."

Alexander Isak remains a doubt for the game but Howe added: "We have one more training session today: we won't take any risks, but we are pleased with his progress."

Form

Despite Arsenal's loss in the Champions League, they have won their previous five league fixtures, most recently with a 5-0 win over Burnley at Turf Moor. 

Newcastle on the other hand have won two of their last five, drawn two and lost one. Within that time, they have conceded 12 goals. Significantly, their away form has surpassed their home form in that time, with wins at both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. 

Recent History

Arsenal have played Newcastle 192 times dating back to 1893, when then Woolwich Arsenal drew 2-2 at the Manor Ground. Since then, they have won 84 times, drawn 39 and lost 69. 

Newcastle beat Arsenal 1-0 in the reverse fixture at St James' Park, in a fiery contest that sparked controversy. Arsenal last beat Newcastle last season, also at St James' Park, in a 2-0 win with goals coming from Martin Odegaard and an own goal forced by Gabriel Martinelli. 

They last beat the Magpies at home in 2021 in a 2-0 win thanks to strikes from Bukayo Saka and Martinelli.

Played For Both

Joe Willock started his career at Arsenal before transferring to Newcastle for a fee of £25million in 2021 and despite an injury-hit spell, has been well received at the club. Isaac Hayden also started his career at Arsenal and is currently on loan from Newcastle at Championship club Queens Park Rangers. 

Arsenal signed Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle in 2014 for a fee believed to be around £12million. His time at the club was heavily impacted by injury and he found himself usurped by a young Hector Bellerin. 

Sol Campbell, who made 211 appearances for Arsenal across two spells, joined Newcastle in 2010 where he made eight appearances. 

Prediction

Arsenal will be hurting from their midweek defeat to Porto and will want revenge after their controversial defeat to Newcastle back in November. 

It could be a frustrating game for Arsenal if last seasons 0-0 draw is anything to go by, with Newcastle likely to sit deep to soak up pressure and hit Arsenal on the counter. 

Nevertheless, I expect Arsenal to continue their winning run in the league with a hard-fought 2-1 win.