On the back of a convincing 2-0 win against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup, Newcastle would face Arsenal in the PL next. Although the club has a massive morale boost from their recent win against the Blues, it would certainly require much for them to defeat Mikel Arteta's Arsenal. Given the form the Gunners have been in, having lost only once this season, Newcastle would need to put their all to get maximum points from this matchday.
Arsenal's captain might be absent for the upcoming Newcastle clash
However, Eddie Howe's side does enjoy a crucial advantage being the hosts, being backed by an amazing home record this year. But, while the home crowd could be a vital factor for the upcoming much-awaited matchday, injury concerns are expected to have an irrefutable impact on the fixture. Regarding the same, Newcastle could have an unexpectedly crucial advantage against Arsenal.
25-year-old Norwegian star Martin Odegaard, having missed the majority of the games for Arsenal this season, is in doubt for the upcoming matchday against Newcastle. While reports from Football London do indicate the Arsenal Club captain is closing in on a return after his ankle sprain, chances are considerably less for him to be available for the clash at St. James.
From Newcastle's perspective, Odegaard's expected absence, who looks favorable to return not before Arsenal's UCL matchday, seems much more positive in their interest. Undoubtedly, the midfield star is Arteta's best player alongside Bukayo Saka, and missing him could have serious repercussions in the awaited fixture. Although the Gunners have an abundance of quality in their midfield, having players like Mikel Merino and Declan Rice, their captain's absence would certainly mean much against Newcastle.
With Odegaard's absence, Newcastle United have a key opportunity to break through Arsenal's midfield with their high press tactics. Given that they manage to deliver a dominant display similar to their recent game against Chelsea, the Magpies can have serious chances of getting considerable points from the matchday. Newcastle fans would hope that their side bags crucial points against Arsenal, keeping their hopes of a top-4 finish alive.