Arsenal aim to reclaim the Premier League summit when they host Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side recently dropped to second place after Manchester City defeated Burnley during the midweek fixtures. The Gunners now trail the leaders on goal difference for the first time since October. That said, a draw would be enough to return them to the top of the table temporarily.
Newcastle arrive in North London looking to arrest a damaging run of four consecutive defeats. Eddie Howe’s team have struggled for consistency and currently sit in the middle of a disappointing campaign. However, they remain in the hunt for European qualification with five matches remaining. Arsenal secured a 2–1 victory over Newcastle in the reverse fixture back in September. The Gunners now seek their first league double over the Magpies since the 2020-21 season.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United – Match preview and team news
- Date: Saturday, 25 April 2026
- Kick-off: 17:30 BST
- Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
- Referee: Sam Barrott
- VAR: Jarred Gillett
- Last Meeting: Newcastle 1–2 Arsenal (28 September 2025, Premier League)
Team news
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori are both in contention to feature this weekend. Saka has missed the last five matches after sustaining an injury in the Carabao Cup final.
In his absence, the Gunners have struggled for rhythm in the final third. Riccardo Calafiori is also back in training following a spell on the sidelines. However, Jurrien Timber and Mikel Merino remain unavailable for selection today.
Newcastle United
Anthony Gordon has been ruled out of the trip to the capital with a lingering hip issue. Tino Livramento is also absent after picking up a thigh complaint during the defeat to Bournemouth.
That said, Lewis Hall should be fit to start despite being withdrawn early last weekend. Bruno Guimarães is pushing for his first start since February after a full week of training. Eddie Howe hopes his captain’s return will inspire a confidence-depleted squad.
Form
Arsenal
Arsenal have suffered back-to-back league defeats against Bournemouth and Manchester City. This run has seen them lose four of their last six games across all competitions. That said, they remain formidable at the Emirates and are unbeaten in thirteen home games against Newcastle. They must improve their April form to stay alive in the title race.
Newcastle United
The Magpies have lost eight of their last eleven Premier League matches. No top-flight side has suffered more defeats than Eddie Howe’s men during that period. Despite their poor form, they have scored in eighteen consecutive matches in all competitions. They remain dangerous as underdogs but have struggled for clean sheets lately.
Predicted lineups
Arsenal Predicted XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie, Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice, Madueke, Havertz, Eze
Newcastle United Predicted XI: Ramsdale, Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall, Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley, Murphy, Osula, Barnes
How to watch Arsenal vs Newcastle United?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event. The broadcast begins at 17:00 BST ahead of the late kick-off. Streaming is also available via the Sky Go app for subscribers.
Read more- Newcastle need ‘massive performance’ against Arsenal to save European hopes
See Also- Arteta not focused on goal difference in title race ahead of Newcastle tie
