Arsenal Look to Bounce Back Against Struggling Newcastle

Mikel Arteta rolled the dice against Manchester City and it didn't come off. The 2-1 loss to their title rivals has handed Pep Guardiola's outfit a golden opportunity to claim their seventh Premier League crown in nine seasons.

Still, there's a silver lining in how the Gunners approached the Etihad clash. By playing with genuine attacking ambition rather than retreating into a defensive shell, Arsenal may have sown seeds for the remainder of the campaign. City will need to maintain their own standards, but at least Arteta's men showed they're willing to have a go—and that mentality could prove crucial down the line.

Newcastle, meanwhile, desperately need a pick-me-up. The Magpies have slumped to 14th place courtesy of three consecutive 2-1 defeats, a run that looks even grimmer when you throw in a 7-2 drubbing at Barcelona.

Kick-off Details

Saturday's encounter gets underway at 17.30 BST on April 25 at the Emirates Stadium. Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League will carry the action from 5pm, with BBC Radio 5 Live offering full commentary.

Arsenal's Injury Woes

Bukayo Saka's Achilles problem means Noni Madueke is likely to occupy the right-wing berth once more. Jurrien Timber could return to the reckoning after a month sidelined, though Riccardo Calafiori remains doubtful. Mikel Merino continues his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Newcastle's Absentees

Anthony Gordon's hip injury leaves his participation uncertain. Fabian Schar and Tino Livramento are ruled out through injury, while Joelinton sits out the second game of his two-match ban.

The Betting

Arsenal are installed as 4/9 favourites to collect three points. Newcastle's shock victory sits at 5/1, with the draw priced at 18/5. In the title race, City have moved to 4/7 following their 1-0 win over Burnley on Wednesday, with Arsenal drifting to 5/4.

Why Arsenal Can Seize Control

Yes, the nightmare scenario has materialised—City won at Burnley while Arsenal were licking their wounds. Yet this title race remains wide open. While Guardiola's men tackle FA Cup semi-final business this weekend, Arsenal get two bites at the cherry before City's next Premier League outing. That's a genuine opportunity to reclaim top spot and pile on the pressure.

Energised by their attacking display against City, Arteta's side should make light work of a Newcastle team in freefall. The Magpies have lost 12 of their last 13 Premier League visits to the Emirates, managing just one goal across their last nine top-flight trips to N5.

In the handicap markets, back Arsenal -1 at 13/10 and Arsenal -2 at 10/3. Both land if the Gunners win by three. They've managed exactly that feat here before—a 4-0 demolition in 2020 and a 4-1 thrashing in 2024.