Overview

• Kickoff is 4:30 p.m. local on Sunday, September 28 at St James’ Park, with Jarred Gillett refereeing and Darren England on VAR.
• Both sides seek a lift after uneven league starts, with Newcastle on one Premier League win and Arsenal chasing leaders Liverpool following recent cup wins over Bradford City and Port Vale.
• Bukayo Saka is expected to make his first league start in a month after a hamstring issue, while captain Martin Ødegaard remains a shoulder doubt though a return has been suggested following training; Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus remain out.
• Newcastle expect Antony Gordon back from suspension, with Fabian Schär, Jacob Ramsey and Yoane Wissa unavailable; The Sporting News projects a Joelinton–Tonali–Bruno Guimarães midfield and Nick Woltemade to lead the line.
• Recent meetings on Tyneside have favored the hosts and stoked a ‘grudge’ narrative, while predictions are split with Alan Shearer tipping a fiery Newcastle win and others forecasting an Arsenal victory or a draw.