Overview
Arsenal's four-game winning streak was unexpectedly halted by a draw against Brighton. The Gunners opened the scoring but Brighton equalised in the 61st minute, thereby accepting a share of the points. However, the Emirates team still extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 13 matches.
Arsenal will return to the Emirates Stadium to host Newcastle in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. Since the beginning of the season, the "Gunners" have remained unbeaten every time they have played at their home ground with 11 wins and 3 draws.
Among them, the defeated generals of coach Mikel Arteta's army include PSG, Manchester United, AS Monaco and the phenomenon Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are also in very impressive form at the moment. With the victory over Tottenham in round 20 of the Premier League, coach Eddie Howe's team has had their 6th consecutive victory in all competitions.
The Magpies have shown stability with 4/6 recent matches keeping a clean sheet and only conceding 2 goals. Meanwhile, their attack line with names like Isak, Gordon, Murphy has been sharp and brought home 18 goals.
If Arsenal play well at home, Newcastle are also extremely uncomfortable away from home. The "Magpies" have won all three recent away trips, respectively against Ipswich, Man United and Tottenham. With both teams having their own advantages, a draw seems reasonable.
Arsenal have won 76, lost 62 and drawn 35 of their previous 173 meetings with Newcastle. However, each side have three wins and one draw in their last seven meetings. The Magpies won 1-0 in the Premier League at St James' Park last August.
Human resources situation
Bukayo Saka remains sidelined through injury along with Ben White and Raheem Sterling for Arsenal. Jurrien Timber could return after missing the Brighton game through suspension, while Gabriel Jesus is expected to continue leading the line.
Newcastle are still without goalkeeper Nick Pope, who is out injured. Fabian Schar will return after being suspended against Spurs, while Harvey Barnes could start up front.
Expected lineup:
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori, Jorginho, Rice, Odegaard, Trossard, Martinelli, Jesus.
Newcastle: Dubravka, Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall, Tonali, Joelinton, Guimaraes, Gordon, Barnes, Isak.
The match between Arsenal and Newcastle takes place at 3:00 a.m. on January 8 (Vietnam time).
