After a bitter pill in the Champions League semifinals, a cloud of uncertainty still hangs over the Emirates regarding qualification for the next edition of Europe’s elite competition. Arsenal hosts Newcastle in a battle between second and third place with just two rounds left in the season.Throughout the season, Arsenal was comfortably positioned for Champions League qualification, but a recent dip in form has put that in doubt. Out of a possible nine points in their last three matches, they’ve picked up only two, casting uncertainty over their top-four finish. Mikel Arteta’s side is still in a favorable position—currently second with 68 points, two ahead of today’s rival Newcastle (18.30), as well as Chelsea and Aston Villa, who also have 66 points but one game more played. Manchester City sits sixth with 65 points and two games in hand, making several scenarios possible.🔴 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝘿𝘼𝙔 ⚪️🆚 Newcastle United🕟 4.30pm (UK)🏆 Premier League🏟️ Emirates Stadium pic.twitter.com/AApF1bOvyu— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 18, 2025 It’s clear that Arsenal can eliminate all doubts with a win today, but that won’t be easy against a motivated team from the north of England, who have beaten them in all three meetings this season. In the fall at St. James’ Park it was 1–0, and in the League Cup in January and February, Newcastle won both games 2–0. That means Arteta’s team hasn’t managed to score a single goal against them this season—a major concern for Gunners fans.“They’re a tough opponent for anyone. What Eddie Howe and his staff have done over the past few years is remarkable. They’re very consistent and hard to beat. They dominate every aspect of the game. They’re great when they need to attack a low block and have many players in the box. If they have to defend deep and transition, they’re ready for that too. They’re smart and always ready to compete. Like any good team, they try to gain an edge with those weapons, so you have to dominate in many areas—even if you’re not top of the table,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.• Are injuries a reason why you couldn’t win the Premier League?🗣️ Arteta: “For sure. Red cards and injuries.” pic.twitter.com/NdXPkLLHgV— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) May 18, 2025 One warning sign: Arsenal has won just one of their last six Premier League matches. In their last four home games across the league and Champions League, they’ve suffered two losses and two draws.“We’ll have to play really well and be clinical against Newcastle, because we know their strengths very well. We know our recent results against them and how fine the margins were in those matches. We’ll need to capitalize on every goal-scoring opportunity,” Arteta stressed.Although he hinted that striker Kai Havertz could finally return after a long injury layoff, Arteta isn’t certain yet, as he’s awaiting a medical report. Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Jurrien Timber only partially participated in the last training session and are also doubtful.Ben White:” You see other teams that have had big injuries and they’re not sitting very well in the league.So yes, we’ve had some big injuries and I believe that it’s a credit to all the players that have come in and done so well.” [Mirror]— AfcVIP⁴⁹ (@VipArsenal) May 18, 2025 As for Newcastle, after winning the League Cup, they now have a chance to finish the season in second place. Manager Eddie Howe was asked which achievement would be greater.“It’s hard to answer or compare. Winning a trophy was a dream and ambition when I joined the club. That cup win and the reaction to it is something I’ll never forget. That’s why it’s impossible to compare the two,” said Howe. He also wasn’t ready to comment on the possibility of finishing second.“It’s very hard to say anything because we’re still in a situation where anything can happen with our position in the league. It’s very vulnerable, and if we don’t get the needed results, it could be tricky. So it’s impossible to answer that question at this point,” the Magpies manager said.When Eddie Howe first took charge of Newcastle United, he immediately saved them from relegation.In just four years, he took them back to Champions League football and won their first domestic silverware in over 70 years. They’re now sat third in the Premier League table 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/vjPwJXnLDo— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 11, 2025 Arsenal will definitely be without suspended Mikel Merino, as well as injured Gabriel, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Gabriel Jesus. On the other side, Newcastle can’t count on Joe Willock, Kieran Trippier, Matt Targett, and Lewis Hall. Joelinton has a chance of being in the squad, while Sven Botman remains questionable.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 37Friday Aston Villa – Tottenham 2-0 (0-0)/Konsa 59, Kamara 73/Chelsea – Manchester United 1-0 (0-0)/Cucurella 71/Sunday 14.00: (1.42) Everton (5.00) Southampton (8.00)16.15: (2.80) West Ham (3.25) Nott.Forest (2.60)17.00: (1.95) Brentford (3.75) Fulham (3.70)17.00: (2.35) Leicester (3.50) Ipswich (3.15)18.30: (2.00) Arsenal (3.70) Newcastle (3.85)Monday 22.00: (2.75) Brighton (3.50) Liverpool (2.50)Tuesday22.00: (2.30) Crystal Palace (3.35) Wolverhampton (3.15)22.00: (1.55) Man.City (4.20) Bournemouth (5.90)***odds are subject to change***
