A run of four successive Premier League draws has left 10th place Arsenal level on points with Newcastle United as the Magpies prepare to visit Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s men return to action following their inaugural mid-season break and hope to secure its first top-flight win since beating Manchester United 2-0 on New Year’s Day.
[protected-iframe id=”59ebe181bd95a408ffd30d712f2d1f25-58289342-150719707″ info=”https://fubo-preview.global.ssl.fastly.net/lp/preview/index-lite.html?params=irad%3D540143%26irmp%3D1205322%26pack%3Dfubotv-basic&page_slug=NBCSN” style=”max-width: 640px;” width = “100%”]
Arsenal vs. Newcastle United
- When: Sunday, February 16
- Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
- TV: NBCSN
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
The Gunners are 10 points off the top four with 13 matches remaining, and a win in Week 26 will be considered a must given Steve Bruce’s side will climb ahead of the team should it fail.
Newcastle has lost its last seven visits to Emirates Stadium and failed to score in the last three, having last emerged as victors there in November 2010. That being said, Newcastle is undefeated in eight games across all competitions and secured draws vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton in its last two Premier League away trips.
Steve Bruce has faced Arsenal more than any other team during his managerial career—this will be his 29th encounter—although his record doesn’t stir much encouragement. He’s beaten the North Londoners just twice in 20 years, once with Birmingham City in May 2005 and again at Sunderland in November 2009. Bruce’s teams have also failed to score in their last three clashes against the Gunners, most recently losing 1-0 at St. James’ Park in August.
January loan signing Pablo Mari could make his debut at Emirates. The Flamengo center-back hasn’t played since December, meaning Shkodran Mustafi is in contention to keep his place alongside David Luiz in central defense.
Fellow winter arrival Cedric Soares will not make his Arsenal debut just yet, having arrived from Southampton carrying an injury. Kieran Tierney and Reiss Nelson are also certain to miss out, while Bukayo Saka and Sead Kolasinac are in the running at left-back.
Newcastle’s injury list is more extensive, and Bruce is hoping he’ll have 2019 signings Joelinton and Miguel Almiron fit following slight injuries. Danny Rose could make his full debut at left-back, a move that may see Matt Ritchie move to the right at DeAndre Yedlin’s expense.
Arteta’s men will be considered favorites to overcome the Magpies at home, though Bruce’s high-flyers have recovered from a poor start this season to show they’re capable of an upset.
We recommend interesting sports viewing and streaming opportunities. If you sign up to a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee.