Newcastle's Callum Wilson has been in excellent form, setting a new Premier League record for the most goals scored by a Newcastle player in a single month. Eddie Howe's team has won eight of their last nine Premier League games, and a win on Sunday would guarantee them at least a top-seven finish. They are also still in contention for a Champions League spot, with a six-point lead over sixth-placed Liverpool, with a game in hand.
However, Newcastle's defense has been a concern, having kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 matches in all competitions. Despite this, they have won their last four games at St James' Park, including a 2-0 victory over Arsenal last May.
Arsenal bounced back from a poor run of form, which included three draws and a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, with a resounding victory over Chelsea. Martin Odegaard scored twice in that game, while Gabriel Jesus also got on the scoresheet. The Gunners are still in the title race, lying just one point behind new leaders Manchester City, having played a game more.
Arteta's side has scored in each of their last 16 games since a 1-0 defeat to Everton in early February. They are also the best-performing team away from home this season, despite failing to win any of their last three away games.
If Arsenal secures a win on Sunday, it would guarantee them a top-two finish, and a return to the Champions League. However, they face a tough challenge against a Newcastle side that has been in excellent form recently.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Eddie Howe was left disappointed when he found out that Jamaal Lascelles, who has had a bit-part role this season, will miss the rest of the season due to a calf injury he sustained in the gym. This adds him to the long-term absentees list that includes Emil Krafth, who suffered an ACL injury. Allan Saint-Maximin and Sean Longstaff are also doubts for the game against Arsenal, and Ryan Fraser is still out of contention.Howe has a tough decision to make between Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak for the striker position, as Wilson made an impressive substitute appearance in their last game. Miguel Almiron could replace Anthony Gordon in the midfield.
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is worried about Gabriel Magalhaes' fitness after he picked up an ankle injury in the game against Chelsea. William Saliba will also miss the game due to a back problem. Jakub Kiwior, who started in the win against Chelsea, is expected to retain his place, and Leandro Trossard may make way for Gabriel Martinelli.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Newcastle United possible starting lineup:Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Willock, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Almiron
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
EXPERT PREDICTION
Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
In January, Newcastle successfully employed a defensive strategy to stifle Arsenal's attack, but given the injury concerns of Arsenal's top central defenders, Newcastle should consider taking a more aggressive approach to exploit the visiting team's vulnerable defense.
Nonetheless, Newcastle's defense has not been as strong as it was earlier in the season, and we predict that Arsenal will rectify their mistakes from last year's trip to Tyneside and secure a point. However, this result may effectively extinguish their chances of winning the title.
