Arsenal and Newcastle go again at the Emirates nine days after contesting a tight 120 minutes in the FA Cup third round. A similar affair looks likely unless the home side strike early: the Magpies are adept when asked to sit in but, as they showed at Sheffield United, a more proactive approach appears to be beyond them. Arsenal’s turgid draw with Crystal Palace showed their improved form has not cured everything; they will hope Kieran Tierney and Gabriel Martinelli, driving forces of late, are able to return from injuries on schedule.
The Gunners have won only one of their last seven Premier League games at The Emirates, taking just five points from the last 21 available. It was just over a week ago that Newcastle were holding Arteta’s team to a 0-0 in the FA Cup after 90 minutes where Andy Carroll, yes, Andy Carroll, provided the Toon with a big attacking weapon. I would like to see him play in a front two with Callum Wilson, who remains one of the clear positives when it comes to Bruce’s side.
Arsenal will be without defender Pablo Mari for Monday night’s Premier League visit of Newcastle, The Spaniard will miss out with a calf injury which ruled him out of the goalless draw with Crystal Palace.
It remains to be seen if Kieran Tierney (muscular) and Gabriel Martinelli (ankle) will be fit to return to the side but Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey will be pushing for recalls.
Newcastle midfielder Ryan Fraser will sit out the trip to the Emirates Stadium through suspension. Fraser was sent off for two bookable offences during Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Sheffield United and must serve a one-match ban.
Jamal Lewis could return from a knee problem and Jonjo Shelvey continues his fight for full match fitness after groin surgery.
Jamaal Lascelles will be assessed as he continues his recovery from Covid-19 with fellow central defender Federico Fernandez still struggling with the after-effects of a virus which has sidelined Allan Saint-Maximin for seven weeks.
Arsenal have won 14 of their last 15 Premier League matches against Newcastle (L1), losing the other 2-1 in April 2018.
Newcastle United have lost their last eight away Premier League matches against Arsenal since a 1-0 victory in November 2010.
Arsenal have kept 25 Premier League clean sheets against Newcastle - only Manchester United have kept more against a specific opponent in the competition’s history (27 against both Tottenham and Aston Villa).
Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-0 at home in the FA Cup third round on the 9th January this year - if they win here, it will be their shortest gap (9 days) between home victories against the same opponent since January 2008, when they beat Newcastle twice at the Emirates in the space of three days.
