GOOD AFTERNOON
If history is anything to go by, then Arsenal look very likely to pick up the win this afternoon against Newcastle.
After all, they’ve beaten the Magpies in 15 of their last 16 league games and kept a clean sheet in their last five meetings.
However, Arsenal’s form has been anything but consistent this season and they currently sit in 11th in the Premier Legaue table.
Mikel Arteta’s side have one eye on their upcoming Europa League fixture, so will this afternoon prove too big of a distraction?
Arsenal’s absentees this afternoon include Kieran Tierney, who has been sidelined for four weeks with a knee injury, and Alexandre Lacazette who limped off with a hamstring issue against Fulham.
However, there is some good news as Pierre Emerick Aubameyang could return to the fold this afternoon.
The Gunners’ captain has been out of action since contracting malaria but is rumoured to be one of the names on the bench.
Newcastle will be without Joe Willock today as he is ineligible to play against his parent club.
The midfielder’s absence may well be felt by Steve Bruce’s side, but come the end of the season they may well have to cope permanently without him.
That’s not Bruce’s only headache as there are still question marks over Matt Ritchie’s fitness while Isaac Hayden, Ryan Fraser and Jamaal Lascelles are still out of action.
Bruce will however have Fabian Schar available for selection after overcoming a knee injury.
Having drawn with Liverpool last weekend, Newcastle may well come into this fixture with a spring in their step.
They’ve scored eight goals in their last four games where they’ve picked up two victories and drawn twice.
Stick with us this afternoon as we bring you all the action from St James’ Park.
