Arsenal vs Newcastle: Not easy for the home team
Instead of rejoicing in the dramatic comeback to take a point away to Liverpool, an angry Mikel Arteta was harshly critical of Arsenal's first-half performance, which allowed Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz to score twice for the Reds. However, the Gunners were much better in the second half, with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino helping them leave Anfield with a 2-2 draw.
Arsenal just drew 2-2 at Liverpool.
It is true that Arsenal played hard and got 1 point at Liverpool's field, but this draw means that the Gunners have extended their winless streak in all competitions to 5 matches. In fact, although Arsenal is ranked 2nd, they are still likely to be kicked out of the Top 5, thereby not having a ticket to the Champions League next season. The Gunners are currently 5 points ahead of 6th place Aston Villa while there are 2 rounds left in the season.
In the penultimate round of the Premier League, round 37, Arsenal will host Newcastle at the Emirates. The Arsenal vs Newcastle prediction is slightly in favour of the home team, but Mikel Arteta's side have failed to win any of their last four games at the Emirates, and they could now lose three consecutive home games for the first time since late 2019.
Speaking of Arsenal suffering three consecutive defeats, that's exactly how many consecutive defeats Arsenal have suffered against Newcastle this season. In the first leg of the Premier League, they lost 0-1 at St James' Park, and in both legs of the EFL Cup semi-final, the London team lost to the Magpies. If the reigning EFL Cup champions win against Arsenal this weekend, they will surpass the Gunners to take second place in the table.
Arsenal vs Newcastle round 37 Premier League 2024/25.
Newcastle are currently third, two points behind Arsenal, so a win at the Emirates would move the Magpies very close to qualifying for next season's Champions League. Howe's side beat Chelsea 2-0 at home in their most recent game, a game that saw the visitors' Nicolas Jackson sent off, before Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes scored twice to give the hosts all three points.
Newcastle's attack is in good form, with 11 consecutive games in which they have scored in all competitions. However, away games have not been as fruitful for the north-east side, with Howe's side winning just two of their last six Premier League away games, but they have not lost their final away game since the 2017/18 campaign.
A new page in English football history is also opening for Newcastle, who could become the first team to beat Arsenal four times in a season, but the Gunners are currently on a 12-match unbeaten run against their Premier League opponents at home.
In terms of squad, Mikel Merino picked up two yellow cards against Liverpool and will be suspended against Newcastle. Jorginho (chest), Gabriel Jesus (knee), Gabriel Magalhaes (hamstring) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are all sidelined with various injuries. Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard all trained recently and are in contention to feature this weekend.
Newcastle are in very good form at the moment.
For Newcastle, Sven Botman was forced off in the 55th minute of the win over Chelsea with a knee injury, and Howe admitted it would be difficult for the Dutchman to play at the weekend. Joe Willock (thigh), Kieran Trippier (calf), Matt Targett (thigh), Joelinton (knee) and Lewis Hall (foot) are all doubtful. Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth are likely replacements for Botman in central defence.