Arsenal EPL Premier League
Arsenal EPL Emirates

Arsenal blew away Chelsea in the Premier League in midweek but next up, they face a much sterner test in the form of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United.

The Gunners beat Chelsea 3-1 and with that win, Arsenal are maintaining the pressure on Manchester City in the title battle. However, the Magpies have been in top form this season so it is going to be a proper battle, more so because Arsenal will be playing at the daunting and buoyant St James’ Park.

Newcastle United are undefeated in 25 of their last 28 league matches whereas Arsenal have won one out of their previous five matches. The North London side have not been able to beat the Magpies in their last two attempts but the form they are in right now, Mikel Arteta and his boys should be able to fend off this challenge.

After losing to Manchester City, every remaining game has become a must-win situation for the Gunners so they have to target three points in every game week. This one will be Arsenal’s final heavyweight game of the season so if they can will on Sunday then Arteta’s men can atleast try and postpone Man City’s title triumph.

Arsenal’s team news and injuries:

William Saliba is already out injured with a lower back problem and to make matters worse, Gabriel has also picked up a knock. The centre-back was taken off in the Chelsea game and there are serious question marks over his fitness.

The manager said after the match: ‘He could not carry on; we have to assess him; he was not comfortable. So, we are a bit concerned about that because normally, he’s not one that wants to leave the pitch.’

There’s no official update on Gabriel’s injury but rumours suggest the knock is not serious and that he could be fit before Sunday. If Gabriel is ready then all well and good but if he is unavailable then Rob Holding will be paired up alongside Kiwior.

Newcastle United have blown away almost every defence that’s come infront of them this season and if Arsenal are without both Saliba and Gabriel on Sunday then Mikel Arteta will be a really worried man.

Jorginho featured in midfield against his former team but Thomas Partey is going to come back into the starting line up this weekend.

Gabriel Martinelli started on the bench in midweek and he too could come back into the fold, replacing Leandro Trossard on the left flank.

The centre-back positions will be the major cause of concern for the Arsenal manager and if that issue is sorted out then we expect a really close encounter on Sunday.

Arsenal predicted line up vs Newcastle United:

Predicted Starting XI(4-3-3): Ramsdale; Gabriel/Kiwior, Holding, Zinchenko, White; Partey, Odegaard, Granit Xhaka; Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli/Trossard.

Arsenal predicted line up vs Newcastle United - Premier League 22/23