The Saturday lunchtime kick-off in the Premier League this weekend promises to be a cracker as Newcastle host Arsenal at St. James' Park.
The Magpies would have had aspirations of qualifying for the Champions League at the beginning of the season, but need to embark on a good run of form after a fractured opening to the campaign.
Match Preview
Newcastle Recent Form
Newcastle are without a win in five Premier League matches, losing three of those against Fulham, Brighton and Chelsea. They drew the other two versus Man City and Everton.
Midweek, things improved with an impressive 2-0 home victory against Chelsea in the League Cup.
Newcastle Injury News
Anthony Gordon battled back from a groin issue to feature against Chelsea, though Alexander Isak did pick up a knock. The Swede is still expected to be available for this one.
Jamaal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson remain on the sidelines.
Last Newcastle Lineup
Here's how Newcastle lined up against Chelsea.
Arsenal Recent Form
Arsenal have won three, drawn, one and lost one of their last five games across all competitions.
The victories came against Southampton in the Premier League, Shakhtar in the Champions League and Preston in the League Cup.
They are two without a win in the Premier League after a surprise loss against Bournemouth and the 2-2 draw with Liverpool last Sunday.
Arsenal Injury News
Gabriel remains a big doubt due to a knee injury suffered against Liverpool that seen him omitted from the League Cup squad, though Ben White is set to return.
Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu are still injured.
Last Arsenal Lineup
Here's how Arsenal lined up against Preston.
Newcastle vs Arsenal - who is the referee and VAR?
Referee: John Brooks
Assistants: Simon Bennett, Dan Robathan
Fourth official: Darren Bond
VAR: Jarred Gillett
Assistant VAR: Darren Cann
Newcastle - Player To Watch
Isak has struggled with fitness and form this season and the club need him to get back to near his best if they hope to get back into the top four this campaign.
Arsenal - Player To Watch
Arsenal are a different animal with Bukayo Saka fit and firing as he has 10 goal contributions in seven Premier League games so far this season. A rest for the midweek game against Preston will have done him good.
Newcastle vs Arsenal - Prediction
Newcastle have not looked like themselves recently, and although the win against Chelsea will provide a much-needed confidence boost, these are games Arsenal need to win if they hold hope of winning the league.
Scoreline prediction - Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
Newcastle vs Arsenal - Betting Tips
Arsenal to Win and Both Teams to Score
- Arsenal have won four of their last six away games
- Newcastle have scored in five and conceded in five of their last six home games, while Arsenal have scored in five of their last six away games
