Arsenal aim to move into the driving seat in the race for the fourth spot in the Premier League when they visit Newcastle United on Monday night.
No team has achieved the task of remaining in the Premier League after going winless in their first fourteen games of the season. But Newcastle United achieved the improbable, thanks to a masterclass from Eddie Howe since he was appointed manager midway through the season. No wonder his work has earned a nomination for the manager of the season gong, and if he wins it, it would be well deserved.
The Magpies can now look forward to building a competent team for next season and will be eager to make their mark in the summer window. Before that, they have two more games to finish the season and will be looking toward the challenge posed before them by Arsenal on Monday night, before facing Burnley on the final day.
Newcastle’s confidence might have been hit after Manchester City slammed five goals past them, but they can take the momentum from their recent home form. The Magpies have won six times in their last seven games at St James Park, with the only loss coming against Liverpool. Only the Reds, Chelsea, Spurs, West Ham and Manchester City have prevailed at this ground, which indicates how tough a trip it will be for Arsenal.
The Gunners have one target in mind; to win their remaining two games of the season. They have a history of succumbing under pressure, and this is a similar situation where they have to produce results. Failure to do so would mean that they may not be able to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
With Tottenham winning their tie against Burnley, it has taken them two points above Arsenal into fourth. The Gunners will have to win against Newcastle United to restore their one-point cushion. It is a litmus test for manager Mikel Arteta as he looks to take the team back into Europe after not featuring in any continental competition this term.
Arsenal come into this clash at the back of a morale-sapping 3-0 defeat in the North London Derby. There were many questionable decisions, which Arteta rued in the post-match interviews. However, the manager will look back at their record against Newcastle United, having won eight consecutive games against the Magpies in the Premier League.
Team News & Tactics
Newcastle United
Working towards our final home game of the season. ?
? #NEWARS pic.twitter.com/mDDq9YpLeB
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 13, 2022
There are plenty of absentees in the Newcastle squad, as Eddie Howe looks to make the right selection decision ahead of the Arsenal encounter. Jonjo Shelvey is out alongside Joe Willock, who will not face his former side. Ryan Fraser could be in line to return to the squad, although his status still remains doubtful.
Federico Fernandez is also ruled out, but Fabian Schar, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson could be pushing for starts in the penultimate game of the season. The centre-back made it to the squad against Manchester City, while the latter duo made cameo appearances against the Premier League leaders.
Howe will make a late call on their inclusion from the start against the Gunners, although there is a huge chance at least some of them will make it through. The manager could continue with his 4-3-3 shape, with Schar and Dan Burn taking up the central defensive position. Matt Targett and Emil Krafth could be the full-backs if Howe deems Tripper not ready to start.
A midfield three of Sean Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton could be preferred by Howe. The manager could reintegrate Wilson as his leading striker ahead of Chris Wood, with Allan Saint-maximin and Miguel Almiron taking up wide attacking roles.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Dubravka; Krafth, Schar, Burn, Targett; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
Arsenal
Arsenal come into this game with some key defensive absentees. Gabriel suffered a thigh injury in the loss to Tottenham, while Rob Holding is suspended after his red card against Spurs.
? The boss has provided a team news update ahead of #NEWARS ?
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 14, 2022
Arteta did not risk Ben White despite the red card to Holding, which could have been done to keep the defender fit for the Newcastle United clash. While the manager has not ruled Gabriel out of the game, if he does miss out on Monday, Takehiro Tomiyasu is the likeliest to slot in central defence alongside Ben White.
In that scenario, Nuno Tavares will be recalled into the side at left-back, while Cedric Soares will keep his place at right-back. Arteta could push Granit Xhaka back in central defence if needed, although, the Swiss star should lineup in central midfield alongside Mohamed Elneny in Thomas Partey’s absence.
Bukayo Saka will keep his place on the right side of the attack, with Martin Odegaard filling in the No. 10 position. Arteta could go with Emile Smith Rowe on the left and leave Gabriel Martinelli on the bench. Eddie Nketiah will continue to lead the line for the Gunners.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Cedric, Tomiyasu, White, Tavares; Elneny, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Smith Rowe; Nketiah
Key Stats
- Arsenal have won 17 of their last 18 games against Newcastle United in the Premier League.
- The Gunners have won eight in a row against the Magpies in the Premier League.
- Arsenal have kept a clean sheet in their last seven matches against Newcastle in all competitions.
- Arsenal have scored at least two goals in their last three matches against Newcastle in all competitions.
- Newcastle United have won six of their last seven games at St James Park in the Premier League.
Player To Watch
Bukayo Saka
? Nominated for the 2021/22 @PremierLeague Player of the Season award
Congratulations, @BukayoSaka87 ?
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 13, 2022
Arsenal need goals and six points in their last two games in order to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Despite a good run of form before the North London Derby, the Gunners did draw a blank against Tottenham. Much of it was due to the early red card for Rob Holding. But they will need to step it up on Monday against Newcastle and the game could be the perfect occasion for Bukayo Saka to show his worth.
The youngster scored in the reverse fixture against the Magpies and will have to do it again to ensure his team achieves their target. This Newcastle side are different from the one Arsenal faced earlier in the season, With pressure mounting on the Gunners, Saka would be the key to unlocking this defence and bagging three points.
Prediction
Newcastle United 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal come into this clash under tremendous pressure to secure qualification for the Champions League, while the Magpies are under no stress to get anything out of this game. This will not deter the home team from giving their best, as on the contrary, they could be full of vigour to put on a show for their supporters in the final home game of the season.
The Gunners are a top side, with players who can deal with such pressures. Hence, things point towards an Arsenal victory despite their loss to Tottenham. The Magpies have not been in great form themselves, and this could be the game where the north Londoners take the top-four race to the wire on the last day of the season.
