Newcastle hoping to end five-game winless run in Arsenal clash.

2024-10-27

Following a morale-boosting EFL Cup victory, Newcastle face Arsenal at St. James' Park, eager to end a five-game Premier League winless streak against a side looking to avoid back-to-back defeats on Tyneside for the first time since 1996.

Newcastle United

Newcastle secured a satisfying 2-0 victory over Chelsea in their midweek EFL Cup match. Coach Eddie Howe praised the team's performance, particularly highlighting their effective pressing and ability to regain possession high up the pitch, actions that led to their opening goal.

However, the Magpies faced a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, with Isak scoring their only goal. This defeat extended their winless streak in the Premier League to five games, during which they have suffered back-to-back losses, slipping to 12th place with 12 points.

Newcastle will welcome Arsenal in an early kick-off on Saturday, aiming to end their winless run. Historically, they have won two of their last three Premier League home games against Arsenal, but they are at risk of consecutive home defeats after their recent loss to Brighton.

In their previous match against Chelsea, Newcastle lined up in a 4—3—3 formation with Isak, Harvey Barnes, and Miguel Almirón leading the attack. While Isak retained his spot for the midweek victory, Barnes and Almirón may return to enhance their attacking options for the weekend clash.

Arsenal

Arsenal were back in ruthless form during the week, dismantling Preston in a 3-0 win in the EFL Cup. However, they gave up the lead twice over the weekend in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Liverpool, with Mohamed Salah leveling the score.

This result means Arsenal are unbeaten in five games against the Reds, with two wins and three draws. Despite this impressive run, they are winless in their last two Premier League matches, holding 18 points with a record of 5 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss, leaving them five points behind Manchester City at the top of the table.

Returning to winning form in the Premier League is a priority for the Gunners. However, they face the possibility of consecutive away defeats to Newcastle, having succumbed 1-0 in this fixture last season. A loss would mark their first back-to-back away league defeats to Newcastle since 1996.

In their recent game against Preston, Arsenal adopted a 4-3-3 formation. Mikel Arteta might consider reverting to a 4-4-2, with Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard leading the attack.