- Series dead-even at 62-36-62
- Gunners have won last 5 vs. NUFC
- Newcastle’s last win in 2010 at Emirates
NBCSN is the home to a mammoth tilt between struggling Arsenal and resurgent Newcastle United on Saturday (Watch live at 1230pm ET and online via Live Extra).
The Gunners will be facing 21-year-old third-string goalkeeper Jak Alnwick, who earned the win in his first Premier League appearance against Chelsea. Starter Tim Krul is out until January, while No. 2 Rob Elliott is out even longer.
Can Newcastle take a second London pelt in as many weeks?
Arsenal will be without Aaron Ramsey, Laurent Koscielny and Calum Chambers, and boasts a midweek Champions League win. But the Gunners fell last weekend to Stoke City and this is their seventh game since Nov. 22.
WATCH LIVE ON NBCSN AT 1230PM ET AND ONLINE VIA LIVE EXTRA
What they’re saying
Alan Pardew on Arsene Wenger: “He’s had a couple of difficult results just recently but Arsene - like every manager - will get through it. His treatment in that train station was totally disrespectful. I’m sure every Arsenal fans will be ashamed of that and they will be looking to put that right on Saturday night, I’m sure. This is a guy who has done an unbelievable job and in some ways the stadium should be named after him.”
Mathieu Debuchy on facing his former club: “I had a great time at Newcastle and I can never thank the club and the fans enough for what they have done for me. I only have great memories from there. Thanks to them, I discovered English football. I played in a great atmosphere in every home match. The fans are amazing and I will keep those moments all my life. It will be special to face them but it will be even more special later in the season when we play them up there.”
Prediction
A tight one, that’s for sure. Both teams can attack with style but have questions at the back end. I’d expect goals, and will follow suit with JPW’s Premier League Picks: 2-2.