Arsenal (H) – Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible XI and prediction

Another game, another chance to kick-start our season after a solid yet slow start to the new 2025/26 Premier League season.

Goals have been sorely lacking in the league, highlighted by three in five games so far, a third-straight 0-0 draw (on the road) at Bournemouth last Sunday and not a single shot in that second half on the South Coast.

However, we'll have to hope that Thursday's 4-1 win and confidence-boosting display against Bradford can be the catalyst for more goals. League One opposition or not, we were slick, moved the ball quickly and could've scored six or seven!

At the other end, we have been rock solid, keeping four clean sheets in five in the league, meaning Sunday's clash with Arsenal could be a meeting between two of the divisions top defences.

Mikel Arteta's Gunners have lost each of their last three trips to St James' Park, failing to score in each, and we'll be hoping to keep that trend going this weekend as we look to keep the momentum building heading into another busy week.

Team news

Anthony Gordon is back from his three-game ban in the league, but Fabian Schar (concussion) remains out along with Yoane Wissa (knee) and Jacob Ramsey (ankle), although it is good to hear the latter is back on the grass and "going well."

Jacob Murphy (achilles) is available and fit to play, just "managing his load" after missing out on Wednesday's win in the Carabao Cup.

For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka could start his first Premier League game since the second week of the season and Martin Odegaard is back in training, but Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are all out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqh2KrA1VBY

Predicted XI

(4-3-3): Pope - Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Livramento - Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton - Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.

I fully expect Burn and Trippier to come back in after rests in midweek, with Livramento also my pick to remain at left-back (for now) as Hall is eased back after starting against Bournemouth and Bradford.

Botman has been superb in our last two games, but with Burn coming back and the Dutchman more comfortable in that left-sided role, I think we'll see Thiaw play again.

The midfield three pick themselves, with Tonali rested in midweek and our two Brazilians looking all the better for a day off at Bournemouth last Sunday.

In attack, Woltemade should return up top, Gordon is back and clearly our best left winger, with Murphy primed to return on the right wing after Elanga didn't quite grab his chance on Wednesday night.

Match prediction

My heart says a precious 2-1 win and my head thinks it'll be a competitive, feisty and tight 1-1 draw.

History suggests we win this game, and we can expect an intense game and good atmosphere, with Howe believing this Newcastle team will only benefit from the 'extra edge' this fixture has offered in recent seasons.

It'll be interesting to see how Woltemade's link up play and ability with his back to goal fairs against Saliba and Gabriel, while the midfield battle involving Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton, Rice and Zubimendi promises to be key.

Gordon to score on his return to league action and hopefully a big home win!

Prediction: Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal

Howay the lads!