Newcastle Clash with Arsenal: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

A classic encounter of the Premier League era will take place at St James' Park this weekend as Newcastle United welcome Arsenal.

Previous clashes between these two English powerhouses have been intensely contested, but a goal-heavy match isn't expected this weekend. Arsenal have let in only two goals across seven fixtures this season, while Newcastle have conceded merely six. The Magpies are also finding it difficult to score, managing just three goals in Premier League action.

This could develop into a defensive battle on Sunday afternoon, with Arsenal believing they can prevail in such a contest. The Gunners are already trailing league-topping and defending champions Liverpool by five points, yet no team can match the defensive solidity of the north London side.

Newcastle secured victory in three of their four encounters with Arsenal last term but haven't appeared as formidable early in this campaign. The summer Alexander Isak transfer speculation certainly impacted the Magpies, who sit 13th in the Premier League standings after claiming just one victory from five matches.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Sunday's captivating encounter.

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Newcastle vs. Arsenal Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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Newcastle Team News

Eddie Howe will have Anthony Gordon available again after his three-game ban, providing the Magpies with a significant offensive enhancement against Mikel Arteta's resolute defense. Nevertheless, Newcastle must cope without summer acquisitions Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey.

Howe confirmed Jacob Murphy's fitness for Sunday's match but acknowledged the winger has been dealing with a minor injury. Fabian Schär remains sidelined after suffering a head knock against Barcelona in Champions League action.

Joelinton and William Osula each netted twice in the Carabao Cup triumph over Bradford City during the week, with the former possibly returning to Premier League duty after being an unused substitute in last weekend's Bournemouth encounter.

Newcastle Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Newcastle predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Livramento; Guimarães, Tonali, Joelinton; Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.

Arsenal Team News

Arteta revealed that Martin Ødegaard should be ready for the weekend after missing recent games with a shoulder problem. The captain may not begin against the physical Newcastle but could appear as a substitute.

Bukayo Saka has been cleared for the Newcastle journey despite midweek injury worries, with the England star recovering at an ideal moment following Noni Madueke's recent setback. The summer addition will be unavailable for approximately two months due to a knee issue.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus continue to be absent from Arsenal's attacking options, with Viktor Gyökeres again leading the line on Sunday without any competition. Piero Hincapié is also sidelined at the defensive end.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Newcastle

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Newcastle (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli.

Newcastle vs. Arsenal Score Prediction

Arsenal have been defeated in four of their previous five visits to St James' Park, with the Gunners finding it tough against Newcastle's home intensity. The passionate Tyneside supporters will undoubtedly make things more difficult for last season's second-place finishers.

Arsenal have faced criticism for their conservative style this season and will encounter Newcastle's solid defense and hardworking midfield. The Gunners have found the net only twice in their last five away matches against the Magpies and will probably find it challenging to penetrate their determined opponents.

This will represent a significant examination of Arsenal's championship aspirations, but they may come up short once more.

Prediction: Newcastle 1–1 Arsenal