Newcastle United are looking to end a run of four straight defeats when they visit Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday evening.
The Magpies are in the midst of a poor run of results, having also lost eight of their last 11 Premier League matches. Sitting 14th in the table, Eddie Howe is under pressure.
United haven’t won a league game at the Emirates since 2010, though few will forget their 2-0 victory in North London last year on their way to lifting the Carabao Cup.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have stumbled in recent weeks to allow Manchester City back into the title race. The Gunners lost 2-1 at the Etihad last week before dropping to 2nd on Wednesday night after Pep Guardiola’s side won 1-0 at relegated Burnley.
With Man City in FA Cup semi-final action this weekend, Mikel Arteta’s side will return to the top of the table if they avoid defeat against Newcastle, who have several injury concerns heading into the match.
Anthony Gordon
Gordon missed last weekend’s 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth due to a hip injury. He remains a doubt for the visit to Arsenal on Saturday night.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
“Yeah, he missed training, I’m just trying to get my days right., I think Thursday and Friday, with a problem he picked up on Wednesday. So, yeah, we knew he wasn’t going to be ready.
“He went for a scan on, again, I think it was Thursday morning, and it was clear he had an injury that would take him out of the game.”
Tino Livramento
Livramento suffered yet another injury setback after limping off in the defeat to Bournemouth last Saturday.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
“Yeah, for Tino, that’s a huge blow for him, but for us. I actually thought he, in part, with Kieran’s introduction at the beginning of the second half, made it stronger, and then losing him was a big blow.”
Expected return date
Livramento is still being assessed but the best-case scenario, according to reports, is that he returns for the final two games of the season.
West Ham United (H) 17/05.
Fabian Schar
Schar was scheduled to return from three months out with an ankle injury earlier this month before picking up a foot injection that required surgery.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
“Fabian, unfortunately suffered an infection in his foot. He’s been in hospital having a very small operation to get that cleaned out so he won’t return for around a month, we think. So that’s bad news on him.”
Expected return date
Nottingham Forest (A), 10/05.
Joelinton
Joelinton is currently serving a two-match suspension after picking up his 10th Premier League booking of the campaign in the 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
“Disappointing, especially with the deadline today – it being the last game [before it reset]. That’s one for Joey, he plays on the edge, he’s always a fierce competitor.
“He’s overstepped the mark once, he’s got the yellow card. We’ll just have to readjust and reshuffle.”
Expected return date
Brighton & Hove Albion (H), 02/05.
Emil Krafth
Krafth is out of contract this summer and could therefore have played his last game for the club as he recovers from a knee injury.
What’s Eddie Howe said?
“Emil’s had an operation on his knee, so I think in all likelihood it looks like the season is over, which is a real blow for us.
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