Arsenal vs Newcastle United: Champions League Hopes Hang in the Balance

Arsenal host Newcastle in a must-win clash with top four stakes on the line.

The Stage Is Set

Arsenal, sitting uncomfortably in third, will host Newcastle United this weekend in an important game for both teams. A loss for either side could derail their Champions League hopes, with only one game remaining in the season.

Even with an extra Champions League place up for grabs due to the strong performances of English clubs in UEFA competitions, neither side will want to slip up and take it out of their hands going into the last match.

How the Teams Match Up

Arsenal

Arsenal are winless in five coming into this game, after a 2–2 draw last time out against Liverpool. Mikel Arteta’s side will be hoping for a more consistent performance over the full 90 minutes. The North London side found themselves 2–0 down in the first half against Liverpool and can’t afford a repeat against a robust Newcastle side.

“We need to be clinical because we know the qualities of Newcastle,” said Arteta, speaking to Arsenal media.

Kai Havertz has a slight chance of being involved in the squad after not playing since February due to a hamstring injury.

Arteta may have to make late calls on Harvetz and Rice for the crucial clash.

There are also concerns over Declan Rice’s fitness, which would be a blow for the home side.

Arsenal’s home record against their opponents is favourable, with only one loss in their last 20 Premier League home games against Newcastle.

Newcastle United

Newcastle come into this game hoping to leapfrog Arsenal and all but secure a second top-four finish under Eddie Howe. The Geordies are the team in better form, with three wins from their last five games, including a 2–0 win over Chelsea at home.

Howe told the BBC, “The games against Arsenal this year have been very difficult,” suggesting it will be a tightly contested affair.

Newcastle come into the clash in better form and could complete a clean sweep over Arsenal this season.

There are no fresh injury concerns for Newcastle. However, Kieran Trippier and Joelinton are still out and will miss the game due to their recent injuries.

It is yet to be seen whether Eddie Howe will stick with his choice of three at the back, as deployed against Chelsea, or have his team revert to his trusted 4-3-3 formation.

Final Thoughts

A win for Arsenal would confirm second place for a third straight season, while a win for Newcastle would all but secure Champions League football next season.

Newcastle have beaten Arsenal in all three meetings this season, including two emphatic wins in both legs of the League Cup semi-final.

The Midfield battle between Arsenal and Newcastle will be crucial in deciding the outcome.

The midfield battle will be key, as Partey, Rice, and Ødegaard will look to get the better of the duo — Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães. Joelinton is a big miss for the away side; however, Newcastle will undoubtedly play with their usual high intensity.

It’s difficult to envision one team dominating this fixture, but form often proves decisive at this stage of the season. The longer Newcastle stay in the match, the greater their chances of pulling off a result against Arsenal.

Can Newcastle take advantage of Arsenal’s emotional fatigue after another long, disappointing season?