Arsenal host Newcastle United on Saturday evening, desperate to return to the Premier League summit after Manchester City’s midweek victory knocked them off top spot for the first time since early October.
Mikel Arteta’s side sit second on goal difference following their 2-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, part of a concerning run that has seen them win just once in six matches across all competitions. With City not in league action this weekend, victory would restore Arsenal’s position at the head of the table and ease mounting pressure.
Newcastle arrive in north London in freefall, having lost their last four games in all competitions. Eddie Howe’s side have won just three of their last 11 Premier League matches, but remain in the hunt for European qualification despite their struggles.
Arsenal’s Title Race Advantage
Despite recent setbacks, Arsenal hold two significant advantages in the title race. Their remaining fixtures appear more favourable than City’s, aside from a tricky trip to West Ham that follows their Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. Arsenal won the reverse fixture against all five remaining opponents earlier this campaign.
They also play twice more – against Newcastle and Fulham – before City’s next Premier League outing. Two victories would restore a six-point cushion and shift pressure back onto Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, Arsenal have lost their last two league matches 2-1 to Bournemouth and Manchester City. They haven’t lost three consecutive league games since April 2022. The Gunners have lost four of their last six games in all competitions (W1 D1), more than in their previous 52 matches combined (W39 D10 L3).
Under Arteta, April has proven problematic – his lowest points-per-game ratio (1.48) comes in this month, with 18% of all league defeats occurring in April (nine of 51).
Arsenal have a 73% win ratio (16 wins in 22 games) and average 2.36 points per game with Bukayo Saka starting this season. Without him, their win percentage drops to 45% (five wins in 11) and points per game falls to 1.64.
Newcastle’s Struggles Continue
The Magpies have lost eight of their last 11 Premier League matches since January 25, with no side losing more in that period. Their last nine league games have been settled by exactly one goal (three wins, six defeats).
Newcastle are winless in their last 13 Premier League away games against Arsenal (D1 L12), scoring just one goal in their last nine visits to the Emirates. Arsenal could become the third team to score 100+ Premier League goals against five different opponents, currently sitting on 99 against Newcastle.
Despite their struggles, Newcastle have scored in 18 consecutive matches across all competitions. Their recent wins against Manchester United and Chelsea suggest they excel when playing as underdogs with reactive football.
Team News
Arsenal
Bukayo Saka is set to return after missing five matches since the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City. “Bukayo probably is going to be in the squad, so good news,” Arteta confirmed. “He had some time for himself and now it’s the most important part of the season and he’s back with us.”
Riccardo Calafiori should also be available. “He’s probably going to be in the squad as well,” Arteta added. However, Jurrien Timber remains unavailable.
Mikel Merino continues his recovery from surgery and won’t feature, while Viktor Gyokeres is pushing to start after being benched at the Etihad Stadium.
Newcastle
Anthony Gordon will miss out with a hip injury. “Anthony won’t make the game. He hasn’t trained this week, again not a serious injury, but not in time for this game,” Howe confirmed. “Hopefully he’ll be fit for next week.”
Tino Livramento is ruled out with a thigh complaint. “We don’t think it’s a bad injury. We’ll wait and see whether he’ll play again this season,” Howe said.
Lewis Hall should feature despite his half-time withdrawal against Bournemouth. Captain Bruno Guimarães completed a full week’s training and could make his first start since February. “He’s had a full week of training and he’s trained really well. He’s such an important player for us on so many levels.”
Form Guide
Arsenal (W-W-W-W-L-L)
Lost four domestic matches in a row but remain strong at the Emirates where Newcastle haven’t won in 13 visits. Four defeats in last six games across all competitions represents more than in previous 52 combined.
Newcastle (L-W-W-L-L-L)
Four consecutive defeats across all competitions mark one of their toughest stretches. Lost eight of last 11 Premier League matches but maintain attacking threat with 18 straight games scoring.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Havertz, Eze
Newcastle: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley; Murphy, Osula, Barnes
Prediction
Arsenal’s recent struggles against Newcastle’s freefall creates intrigue, but statistics heavily favour the hosts. Saka’s return should provide the creative spark Arsenal have lacked, while Newcastle’s away record at the Emirates offers little hope. The Gunners’ title ambitions demand victory.
We say: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle
- Kick-off: Saturday, 5:30 PM BST
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Referee: Sam Barrott
- VAR: Jarred Gillett
- Last Meeting: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal, September 28, 2025, Premier League
- How to watch: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League (coverage from 5pm); Sky Go (live stream)
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