Arsenal and Newcastle meet at the Emirates Stadium in a match that could determine one of the places in the next Champions League, with the Gunners only three points ahead of their opponents this weekend at Premier League.
Arsenal must react to avoid losing second place
Mikel Arteta's side managed to respond well in the second half against Liverpool with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, but the result wasn't enough to guarantee the Gunners a place in the next Champions League (which will happen if Aston Villa fail to beat Tottenham).
Despite the frustration of missing out on titles in yet another season with high expectations, the North London giants have not lost any of their four matches in front of their home fans, but in the last two games they have suffered two defeats, bringing them closer to the negative streak of 2019.
Mikel Arteta will have to find solutions in midfield due to the absence of Merino, a newcomer who received two yellow cards against the Reds and was sent off. Jorginho (chest), Gabriel Jesus (knee), Gabriel Magalhães (posterior thigh) and Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) are all injured and will miss the last home game of the season.
Newcastle can win their fourth game against the Gunners
The reigning English League Cup champions need to maintain their 100% record against Arsenal this weekend to make strong progress and secure a place in the next Champions League. What's more, a win also means lifting the Gunners out of their current position and into second place in the standings.
Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães were responsible for the goals in the win against Chelsea last weekend. The Magpies' attack has now scored in 11 consecutive games, consolidating the attacking side of Eddie Howe's job. However, Newcastle have only won two of their last six away games in the Premier League.
Eddie Howe's line-up will be without Sven Botman, who suffered a knee injury in the 55th minute against Chelsea. Arsenal graduate Joe Willock (thigh) is also out, joining Kieran Trippier (calf), Matt Targett (thigh), Joelinton (knee) and Lewis Hall (foot) on the absentee list.