FC Arsenal – Newcastle United
The Champions League is within reach, with only two points separating Arsenal and Newcastle ahead of their direct clash at the Emirates Stadium. Second against third, 68 points to 66, whoever wins will secure their ticket. Arsenal’s hard-fought 2-2 draw at Liverpool despite being a man down showed morale, but the Gunners have been waiting for a win in five competitive games. Newcastle, on the other hand, travel to the Emirates on the back of a deserved 2-0 win over Chelsea, despite missing regulars such as Joelinton and Lascelles. Another factor in the visitors’ favor is that they have won four of the last five head-to-head matches, including a 1-0 win in November. Arteta is hoping for a comeback from top scorer Kai Havertz, while Eddie Howe is counting on Isak’s continued clinical finishing. Between transfer rumors, injury worries, and the prospect of Europe’s biggest stage, there is more at stake than just three points this Sunday evening.
Arsenal – Newcastle Info
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Date and time: May 18, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
- Competition: Premier League (Matchday 37)
Arsenal form & record check
Arsenal have been waiting for a win in five competitive games, picking up just two draws and suffering three defeats. Despite being a man down, they managed a respectable 2-2 draw at Anfield, but that came after a 1-2 defeat to Bournemouth and two defeats to Paris Saint-Germain. In each of these games, they conceded at least once, with a 100% record. However, they remain dangerous in attack: Martinelli, Trossard and, possibly soon, Havertz are almost always on target. The rest of the defense is problematic, with Gabriel Magalhães and Tomiyasu missing and Arteta having to improvise recently. Without rapid stabilization, second place is in jeopardy.
Predicted Arsenal line-up (4-3-3): Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly, Ødegaard, Partey, Merino, Saka, Martinelli, Trossard. Gabriel Magalhães, Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus are still out, while Havertz could return to the squad for the first time. The young talent Lewis-Skelly at left back would be a bold option, but promises to add extra dynamism. Arteta will rely on possession and high pressing as usual.
Newcastle form & record check
Newcastle are in good form, picking up three wins and a draw from their last five league games. Their latest 2-0 win against Chelsea underlined their maturity, with Tonali scoring after just two minutes. The Magpies have scored in each of these five games, mostly in both halves. The only blemish was a 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa, when quick counterattacks exposed the back three. Despite the continued absence of regulars Lascelles, Hall, Targett, and Joelinton, Howe has created momentum with pragmatic solutions. Remarkably, Newcastle has won the second half four times in a row, an indication of fitness and mental strength.
Predicted Newcastle line-up (3-4-2-1): Pope, Schär, Botman, Burn, Livramento, Tonali, Guimarães, Murphy, Barnes, Gordon, Isak. Joelinton, Lascelles, Hall and Targett remain injured. Howe relies on attacking wing-backs to show initiative away from home. Talented Neave could get some late minutes if the game allows.
H2H Arsenal – Newcastle Head-to-Head & Statistics
In the last five competitive meetings, Newcastle have won four times, Arsenal have won once, and there have been no draws. The Magpies have scored in each of these games, while the Gunners have never kept a clean sheet. At the same time, the lack of goals is striking, with four games failing to see more than 2.5 goals, even though both attacking lines have quality. The streak runs through the league and League Cup and extends into 2023.
