Newcastle United are looking to become the first team ever to beat Arsenal four times in the same season, seeking four successive victories over the Gunners for the first time since 1996.
This is the battle to be the best of the rest in the Premier League, with the winner of this Sunday afternoon clash more than likely to finish second.
The mood at Newcastle United could hardly be better, with March's EFL Cup triumph their first domestic silverware for 70 years, while a win here would secure Champions League qualification.
Last Sunday, the Magpies took a big step towards a top five finish, beating Chelsea 2-0 at St James' Park, with Sandro Tonali scoring in the second minute, before Bruno Guimarães' deflected strike in the last minute secured victory.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United preview
Eddie Howe's side have therefore won seven of their last nine, meaning they are third, and a victory in North London would secure a top five spot. However, the Toon Army's away form has to be a bit of a concern; against teams currently 13th or higher, Newcastle have won just one of 11 away Premier League matches this season, beating Forest in November, losing six of these matches.
Nevertheless, the Magpies have already defeated Arsenal on three occasions this season, all without conceding, so they'll certainly travel down to the capital confident of victory.
Meantime, the Arsenal zeitgeist certainly isn't as buoyant, set for another trophyless campaign, following heartbreak in Paris in the Champions League semi-finals.
Then, last Sunday, Mikel Arteta's team appeared set to slump to another defeat, 2-0 down at half time at Anfield, with Liverpool scoring twice in just 87 seconds. However, the Gunners fought back to earn a share of the spoils on Merseyside, thanks to headers from Gabriel Martinelli and then Mikel Merino.
Despite this, Arsenal have won just three of their last 11 Premier League outings, so require one more point to rubber stamp Champions League qualification, traveling to rock-bottom Southampton on the final day.
Nevertheless, Arteta will still be determined to see his side win their final home match of the campaign, ending the Newcastle hoodoo too, so will they be victorious on Sunday?
Arsenal vs Newcastle United head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 196.
- Arsenal Wins: 85. Draws: 39. Newcastle United Wins: 72.
Arsenal team news
Mikel Merino's red card at Anfield means he is suspended, while Gabriel, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus remain sidelined long-term. In better news, Kai Havertz could feature for the first time since defeat at Newcastle on 5 February due to a hamstring tear, set to be amongst the substitutes.
In terms of starters, in Merino's absence, Leandro Trossard is likely to lead the line, while Declan Rice could return to midfield, after not even traveling to Merseyside due to a hamstring issue. Benjamin White has started four of the last six league games, but Jurriën Timber could be back in.
Lastly, Kieran Tierney and Jorginho are amongst those who will wave farewell to Arsenal, set to depart in the summer.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle United: (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Partey, Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli.
Arsenal player to watch vs Newcastle United
Bukayo Saka has 12 goals to his name this season, while all three of his goals against Newcastle have come in North London, looking to add another here.
Newcastle United team news
Eddie Howe is without Kieran Trippier, Lewis Hall and Joelinton, while Hale End academy graduate Joe Willock is a doubt. Partially as a result of this, Howe switched to a back five against Chelsea, doing so for the first time since the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal, also a 2-0 win, suggesting he'll stick with that system here.
This'll see Tino Livramento and Jacob Murphy at wing-back, with Sven Botman at the heart of defence, allowing Anthony Gordon and Harvey Banres to start in the same team, an issue that has been something of a headache for Howe for two years.
Newcastle United predicted lineup vs Arsenal: (5-2-2-1): Pope; Murphy, Schär, Botman, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimarães; Barnes, Gordon, Isak.
Newcastle United player to watch vs Arsenal
Alexander Isak, who the vast majority in attendance would love to see in a red and white shirt, has 27 goals to his name this season, so can he add to his two goals against Arsenal, one of which came in North London in January?
Arsenal vs Newcastle United prediction
This game is so tough to call, hence why we're sitting on the fence and forecasting a draw. Just a warning for those tuning in, this is unlikely to be a goal-fest: Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle United.
Arsenal vs Newcastle United FAQs
How to watch Arsenal vs Newcastle United on TV
Arsenal vs Newcastle United will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League & Ultra HD.
- USA: Peacock, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Arsenal vs Newcastle United on live stream
Arsenal vs Newcastle United will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGO & NOW TV.
- USA: Peacock, USA Network & Telemundo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Arsenal vs Newcastle United?
Arsenal vs Newcastle United takes place on Sunday 18 May 2025, with kick off at 16:30 (BST), 11:30 (EDT) & 8:30 (PDT).