Overview
The battle for a ticket to the Champions League next season in the Premier League 2024-2025 is getting more fierce than ever.
In particular, Newcastle is still unable to ensure safety, with a record of 66 points and 3rd place only helping them create a 4-point gap compared to Nottingham Forest in 7th place.
Therefore, coach Eddie Howe's team will travel to Emirates Stadium with the goal of winning all 3 points. They need to have the right to decide for themselves before the end of the match.
This goal is completely reasonable, as Newcastle are in good form with a 3-match unbeaten streak in the Premier League.
In the last 5 confrontations with Arsenal, they have won 4 and lost only once. In their most recent trip to the Emirates, The Magpies also won 0-2 with Isak and Gordon scoring.
For Arsenal, they need at least 1 point in the last 2 rounds to reserve their ticket to the Champions League next season.
However, this will be the match where The Gunners continue to face a personnel crisis. In addition to long-term injuries such as Havertz, Jesus, Magalhaes, Tomiyasu, Arsenal will also be without Merino in this match due to suspension.
With the current situation, Arsenal will likely not be able to control the match when facing Newcastle's strong midfield.
A draw could be Arsenal's target in this match. However, Newcastle will not want the "Gunners" to leave St. Petersburg. James' Park with any score.
Personnel situation
Arsenal will not have Declan Rice again after the English star missed the draw with Liverpool. Merino is suspended, while Trossard is doubtful to play. Tomiyasu, Jesus, Havertz, Gabriel and Jorginho are still sidelined.
On the other side of the front line, Newcastle may be without Joe Willock, Kieran Trippier, Joelinton and Lewis Hall, while Sven Botman is injured. However, defender Jamaal Lascelles returned to the bench against Chelsea.
Expected lineup:
Arsenal: Raya, Timber, Kiwior, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Partey, Martinelli, Saka, Nwaneri.
Newcastle: Pope, Livramento, Burn, Schar, Murphy, Longstaff, Guimaraes, Tonali, Gordon, Barnes, Isak.
The match between Arsenal and Newcastle takes place at 22:30 on May 18 (Vietnam time).
