Newcastle United vs Arsenal : This Saturday shall be showdown day with all eyes focused on St. James‘ Park, home of Newcastle United as it receives Arsenal in the English Premier League. Arsenal expects to bank on some momentum from the Carabao Cup where they emerged confident and score three much-needed points, but that does not help much against the solidness of Magpies. 

They have always been difficult nuts to crack, and, more importantly, very unpredictable at home.

Arsenal drew 2-2 with Liverpool in their last league match, mixing occasions where they had shown attack flair and also moments of defensive fragility. They responded midweek with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Preston in the Carabao Cup, setting up a Round of 16 tie against Crystal Palace. 

The side will, however return to the League where they will face a challenge from a Newcastle side looking to recover from a 1-0 loss to Wolves.

We resorted to EA FC 25 for a match simulation, using updated squad lists to account for injuries and suspensions. Here is a look at the predicted lineup, the key events, and the final outcome as the simulation played out.

Newcastle United vs Arsenal: Predicted Lineups and Formations

Based on EA FC 25‘s simulation, here are the predicted starting XIs and formations:

Newcastle United (4-3-3): Nick Pope; Tino Livramento, Fabian Schar, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton; Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon.

Arsenal (4-2-3-1): David Raya; Thomas Partey, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Jurrien Timber; Declan Rice, Mikel Merino; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli; Kai Havertz.

Both teams look nearly complete, and you can see how Newcastle have a solid core midfield of Tonali, Guimaraes, and Joelinton, which does do some effective disruption of play and then creates opportunities. Up front, Alexander Isak on the wings of Barnes and Gordon will be a threat to Arsenal all game long.

It will be their creative options, with supply from Saka, Trossard, and Martinelli, which are required to get a run of games that should help Havertz to score upfront for Arsenal. Timber and Rice add more solidity to both the defense and midfield of Arsenal. The return of Saliba and Gabriel means so much for composure at the back.

Newcastle United vs Arsenal-The Simulation: Action Moments

The sim witnessed an end–to-end affair wherein both the teams showcased fragments of quality and mistakes that could seal the fate anytime.

Newcastle United vs Arsenal-Poor Arsenal First Half

Arsenal‘s first half at St. James‘ Park was far from ideal as per EA FC 25’s simulation. Sloppily placed passes and nervy touches in midfield left the Gunners on the back foot as Newcastle gobbled up the time to capitalize from the listless opening. In the last kick of the first half, a beautiful chance was received by Anthony Gordon after Thomas Partey had lost his mark and allowed the former to receive a good run towards  goal. 

The shot from a yard or so out proved to be powerful enough but a super reflexive save from David Raya ensured the Newcastle winger was kept at bay.

Newcastle United vs Arsenal-Newcastle in Lead

The Magpies resumed with more aggression right after the break and the team looked totally disorganized against Newcastle as the game restarts. In the 55th minute, Newcastle‘s pressure was rewarded when Alexander Isak found a small hole in Arsenal‘s defense.

The striker received the ball inside the box and curled a very accurate shot to the far corner, which Raya had no chance to get at, and Newcastle led 1-0. The goal energized the home fans, as Newcastle tried to hold on for the win and prevent Arsenal from equalizing.

Arsenal Fights Back

Down a goal, Arsenal pushed forward with the intensity of seeking to draw level. The Gunners launched down the wings with Martinelli and Saka, crossed the ball into the box, probing at the Newcastle defense. Finally, a breakthrough from a set piece in the 78th minute as Bukayo Saka whipped a corner well into the box, and from there, Gabriel Magalhães headed it back off the post with considerable force. Falling to a new sub, Gabriel Jesus, the ball rebounded into the net as Jesus seized his chance to tuck the ball in and score the 1-1 tie.

Seemingly galvanized by that equalizer, Arsenal drove forward with over 9 minutes remaining for what proved to be a winner. Newcastle was left to labor to take back control. Its midfield had been overhauled for a bit by the relentless drive of the Gunners forward.

Newcastle United vs Arsenal-Late Drama: Saka‘s Winning Penalty

Into the 86th minute, finally, the decisive moment struck. A loose ball, midfield, led to contact involving Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes and the latter kicked through at Rice to win possession; the referee was not having time to wait and pointed quickly to the spot, allowing Arsenal to take a 2-1 lead when Calm and composed, Saka stepped up and coolly placed the ball across Nick Pope to the wrong side to score.

Newcastle threw everything into the attack with minutes left, but Arsenal‘s defense had something to say about this as it preserved all three road points.

Final Score and Thoughts

Predicted Final Score: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

The EA FC 25 simulation predicted a hard-fought win by Arsenal, with the Gunners showing great resilience and clutch performance to snatch it. After a shaky beginning and a period of pressure exerted by Newcastle, they managed to rally, capitalise on a few good moments, and pull clear.

For Arsenal, a victory at St. James‘ Park would maintain the swing of the Premier League, and they would solidify title aspirations. Back from suspension, William Saliba‘s reliability at the back has meant a more solid rearguard for Arsenal. Add to that an opportunistic strike from Gabriel Jesus-a man who converted that penalty the team had been badly in need of-and Calmness in midfield brought by Declan Rice with Saka‘s clinical penalty taking underlined the depth in quality Arteta has.

However, in Newcastle‘s performance, there is both promise and areas where they are not very good. Of course, they did put enough pressure on Arsenal to win the game; Isak‘s finishing was sharp, but they must be more disciplined when needed since they let this win almost slip into a loss on penalties and defensive mistakes.

Newcastle United vs Arsenal-Future Outlook

The Premier League never fails to go competitive, but every game is just that little step higher, and this one should have been a challenge. Whether Arsenal can win their challenging matches will be pivotal as they look to remain with Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the league. For Newcastle, picking up points against fourth–place challengers will be a crucial factor in securing their qualification for European football next season.

The simulation could have hinted at a real thriller in Arsenal, but with Premier League action, you never know. It has the firepower and the determination to make Saturday‘s encounter a memorable one on both sides.