

Arsenal and Newcastle United knew going into the match that a victory would guarantee them a spot in the Champions League the following season. With three victories against Arsenal already this season, Newcastle United feels confident that it can secure a top-five Premier League finish and take control of second place by next weekend. However, Mikel Arteta's team, who have been strengthened by the return of one of their important players, will be anxious to avoid suffering a fourth loss to the Magpies this season. After going missing in February, Kai Havertz resumed training earlier this week and is anticipated to make an appearance in north London this afternoon.
Havertz's comeback coincides with Mikel Merino's ban, which will prevent him from playing against his old team. Merino has been Arteta's go-to emergency striker in recent years. Merino will not play this afternoon after being sent off against Liverpool last weekend.