Newcastle take on Arsenal at St James’ Park on Saturday in a huge game for the Toon.
Eddie Howe’s side will be going into the game full of confidence after a convincing win in midweek in the League Cup, as they bested Manchester United at Old Trafford and did so convincingly.
However, there are several injury concerns with Howe “fearing the worst” as he waits on results for Matt Targett. The left-back’s absence will mean Newcastle will be without eight senior players for the game against the title chasers in what has been a frustrating period.
However, with several key defenders out, alongside Alexander Isak, Newcastle will be keen to continue their hot form in the final third.
Eddie Howe’s side are the division’s joint-top scorers with 26 goals, alongside Aston Villa. It’s only one shy of their highest total after 10 Premier League games, set under Kevin Keegan in 1994-95.
In addition, Howe is yet to suffer back-to-back home defeats in all competitions and will be keen for that to continue here.
The Preview
It’s a mouthwatering clash on Tyneside with Newcastle desperate to keep pace with the top four against an unbeaten Arsenal side.
With the squad becoming stretched due to injuries, it will have to be another hearty performance, similar to their midweek win over Manchester United. That being said, they face a significantly tougher opponent who are themselves reeling from a poor defeat against West Ham in the same competition.
An unbeaten run of their last six games will give Howe confidence but the injury list could present some headaches for the manager.
Kieran Trippier has been a key performer, laying up 31 chances this season for the Toon with that tally only being matched by Tottenha’s James Maddison. That level of service will have Callum Wilson salivating if he is to continue his impressive run of averaging a goal every 60 minutes in the Premier League this season.
Arsenal though will put a tern challenge for the Newcastle frontline, as they currently boast the second best defence in the division behind Manchester City.
