Arsenal Form and Squad
Such a dreadful spell had not befallen the hosts all season, and, as luck would have it, it has come at the worst possible moment, almost at the finish line. Arsenal have lost four of their last six matches in all competitions, with one more ending in a draw (against Sporting) because the team decided to settle for less. That did not help anyway: in essence, the main match of the season the red-and-whites lost to Manchester City (1:2). There were, of course, two efforts against the woodwork, but it would be wrong to blame everything on that. And what a laughing stock Ryan Cherki made of the defence when he opened the scoring.
Key Arsenal numbers:
- For the first time since matchday six Arsenal do not occupy top spot in the standings.
- The team have suffered four consecutive defeats in domestic competitions for the first time under Mikel Arteta since the Spaniard took over as head coach.
- In five previous head-to-head meetings with Newcastle United the handicap bet (+1.5) on the Tyneside club has landed.
- Arsenal’s attacking bias is shifted to the right flank (41%), a figure surpassed only by West Ham United (45%).
Potential Arsenal lineup (4-3-3): David Raya — Cristian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hincapie — Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice — Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke.
Out: Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber (injuries).
Newcastle United Form and Squad
Even sitting ninth after matchday 30, Newcastle United were only three points off the European places and seven off the Champions League spots. Now, after three defeats in a row, they are seven points adrift even of the Europa Conference League place. The Champions League is almost out of reach (-13); if they do not win here, it certainly will be, especially given they are down in 14th place.
Key Newcastle United numbers:
- Newcastle United have lost all of their last three Premier League matches by a 1:2 scoreline.
- In their 10 previous away fixtures Newcastle United have conceded more than one goal only once.
- Four of their last six matches have seen Over 2.5 goals.
- The visitors struggle to cope with set pieces, having conceded 14 goals from them (sixth-worst record).
Potential Newcastle United lineup (4-3-3): Aaron Ramsdale — Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Sven Botman, Lewis Hall — Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Jacob Ramsey — Harvey Barnes, William Osula, Anthony Elanga.
Out: Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento, Anthony Gordon, Emil Krafth (injuries), Joelinton (suspension).
