A staple fixture of the Premier League era will be staged at St James’ Park this weekend when Newcastle United host Arsenal.
Recent meetings between these two English giants have been fiercely competitive but a high-scoring affair isn’t anticipated this weekend. Arsenal have conceded just two in seven matches this season, while Newcastle themselves have only allowed six. The Magpies are struggling for goals, too, with just three in the Premier League.
It could well prove a war of defences on Sunday afternoon and Arsenal will fancy their chances of edging such a battle. The Gunners already find themselves five points behind league leaders and reigning champions Liverpool, but nobody boasts a more impressive rearguard than the north Londoners.
Newcastle won three of their four meetings with Arsenal last season but haven’t looked quite the same beast early in the current campaign. The summer’s Alexander Isak saga undoubtedly affected the Magpies, who are 13th in the Premier League table after just one win from five.
Here is guide to Sunday’s tantalising duel.
