EPL: Arsenal eye top spot as Newcastle seek to avoid consecutive defeats

The stage is set for the Premier League match of the weekend when Arsenal will host Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.

Both teams head to the game after losing their last Premier League matches.

Arsenal lost 2-1 against Manchester City, while Newcastle also lost 2-1 against Bournemouth.

The last time both teams met in the reverse fixture last September, the Gunners won 2-1 against the Magpies at St. James’ Park.

Arsenal currently sit in the second position on the Premier League table and will go top ahead of Man City if they beat Newcastle, who sit in 14th position, today.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already said in his pre-match press conference that Bukayo Saka will be in the squad for the game after recovering from an Achilles injury that has kept him out of our last five games, while Riccardo Calafiori could also be back in contention.

However, Arteta will be without Jurrien Timber, who is still recovering from a groin problem he sustained against Everton last month, while Mikel Merino is out with the foot injury he sustained back in January.

For Newcastle manager, Eddie Howe, he will be without his star player, Anthony Gordon, who has been ruled out with a hip injury, while Tino Livramento’s season could be over after damaging a hamstring against Bournemouth last weekend.

Joelinton is suspended after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season against Bournemouth, while Fabian Schar and Emil Krafth remain out long-term with knee injuries.

Captain Bruno Guimaraes trained all week and could be in action for How’s side against the hosts.

EPL: Arsenal eye top spot as Newcastle seek to avoid consecutive defeats