Arsenal Seeks Top-Five Place vs Newcastle Amid Champions League Race

Arsenal and Newcastle United face a crucial Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal favored slightly to win but Newcastle having won all three meetings this season, including two in the EFL Cup semi-final. Arsenal currently sit second and can secure a Champions League spot with a victory, while Newcastle aims to overtake them and claim second place, their highest finish since the 1996-97 season. Both teams have injury concerns: Arsenal will be without Tomiyasu, Jesus, Gabriel, and Merino, while Newcastle may miss Hall, Targett, and Trippier, with other players' availability uncertain. Newcastle's strong recent form includes seven wins in their last nine league games, although they have not won their last two away matches. Key players to watch include Newcastle's Alexander Isak, who has scored twice against Arsenal this season, and Arsenal's Martin Ødegaard, vital for creating chances. The match is expected to be competitive, with statistics indicating a high number of corners and potential bookings for key midfielders like Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.