Mikel Arteta’s unbeaten Arsenal visit St James’ Park on Saturday, posing a difficult test for Newcastle United.
Arsenal are one of only two unbeaten teams in the Premier League this season, but they are coming off a 3-1 defeat in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
Eddie Howe will use that fact, as well as Newcastle’s historic victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, to motivate his players before the two teams meet on Saturday evening.
Newcastle does not anticipate any players returning for the Arsenal game.
Newcastle have added Matt Targett to their injury list, and none of the current crop of crocks are expected to return in time to face the Gunners.
Arsenal, on the other hand, appear to have some issues of their own, with Martin Odegaard seemingly not fully fit according to Mikel Arteta (via Ben Dinnery on X) and reported Newcastle target Emile Smith Rowe facing some time in the treatment room.
Newcastle are reportedly looking at Emile Smith Rowe to fill the void left by Sandro Tonali’s suspension for the rest of the season.
With Tonali back in contention for the Magpies next season, a loan move is likely, which is fortunate given that Arsenal is thought to value Smith Rowe at £50 million.
The level of confidence is rising.
Given that Smith Rowe appears to be out for some time, he appears to fit the Newcastle mould this season as our injury concerns mount.
If Odegaard isn’t fully fit, it must be a huge advantage for Newcastle, as he was a huge part of Arsenal’s rise under Arteta.
It’s still too early to tell, but optimism is growing.
