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| Arsenal will have the first-leg encounter against Newcastle in mind when they host the Geordies on Saturday. (Photo credit: 90Mins) |
The Gunners lost for the first time in six games on Wednesday in the Champions League away to Porto; they must show that’s just a blip.
Newcastle enjoyed a controversial win over the Gunners earlier in the season; it was off a contentious Anthony Gordon strike, with Arsenal adamant the goal should have been ruled out on the count of three valid offences.
Joe Willock appeared to claw the ball back after it had gone out before crossing to Joelinton, who appeared to push Arsenal defender Gabriel Maghalaes before knocking down the ball to Gordon, who appeared to be offside. The VAR insists there were no conclusive angles to any of the offences.
Arsenal only had one shot on target in the game, which explains the frustrations of the fans despite dominating possession. Newcastle hasn’t been the same since then; injuries have ruined their script badly, and they’re no longer favorites for the top-four finish.
Newcastle will welcome Alexander Isak and Willock back to the fold after both trained in midweek and are available for selection. Fabian Schaar is available after injuring his wrist last time out, but Callum Wilson and Joelinton remain sidelined.
Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus will face a late fitness test, while Alex Zinchenko is also in contention. Arsenal’s squad is nearing fitness, something that should excite Mikel Arteta. Jurien Timber is uncertain now.
Newcastle will be set up to defend. Arsenal knows about their history of losing consecutive games; this is the time to ensure they don’t sink into defeat, as a win would take the Gunners to within two points of Liverpool, who don’t play this weekend due to their involvement in the Carabao Cup final.
Expect Arteta to return with the same lineup. Leandro Trossard is the joker upfront; you don’t know where he’d be, and he likes to pickpockets. Kai Havertz is bang in form right now; you hardly hear complaints about him.
Bukayo Saka is certain to deliver a goal contribution; he is that good. Gabriel Martinelli has his potential on the left too, and he would be immense against the Geordies. Arsenal has it all to do with Eddie Howe’s side after the first leg panned out; trust the Gunners to respond.