Newcastle vs. Arsenal - Eddie Howe: Pre-Match Press Conference
Today at 06:00 AM
Golden nuggets from Howe before Newcastle host the title contenders from London!
Newcastle United host Arsenal at St James' Park on Saturday in a highly anticipated Premier League clash following both teams' midweek EFL Cup triumphs and potential matchup in the final.
Eddie Howe's side will try to use their recent 2-0 victory over Chelsea as a springboard to turn around their league form, having gone five games without a Premier League win.
Currently sitting 12th in the table, the Magpies will hope to capitalize on home advantage against an Arsenal side with defensive vulnerabilities but still in strong contention for the title in the early season.
Arsenal, who sit third in the league, head to Tyneside aiming to close the gap on Manchester City at the top.
Mikel Arteta's men secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Preston in the EFL Cup, but recent league performances have been less convincing, with the Gunners conceding multiple goals in four of their last five games.
Defensive injuries to key players, including Gabriel Magalhaes and Takehiro Tomiyasu, could leave Arteta's backline vulnerable against Newcastle's forward line, which is also carrying its own concerns.
Newcastle's hopes should be boosted by Anthony Gordon's return, with the former Toffee expected to feature on the left wing with Alexander Isak up front—despite a minor knock in midweek.
With Newcastle seeking to rebound in the league and Arsenal keen to keep pace at the top, this should be a fun game but the Geordies better tame their hopes for a win today.
Here are some of Howe's Wisdom Nuggets, courtesy of NUFC.co.uk
On Arsenal...
"They are a very good team with a very good manager. Now we play one of the most consistent teams in the Premier League for the last couple of years so the challenge for us is never easy, but we're at home.
"Arsenal have done very well this season. They are very good from set plays and a physical team. We need to be ready for that test."
On Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak...
"They both feel okay, we will assess how they feel today, 48 hours after the game.
"They have both had niggling injuries. We'll make a decision today. We need to make sure whoever enters the pitch against Arsenal is in the best physical condition."
On Callum Wilson...
"Callum is doing okay, he's building his load again. There was no real injury but just a feeling in his body that he couldn't push as hard as he wanted.
"We'll see how he is but probably with the two-week gap best to leave it."
On last season's home win over the Gunners...
"I do remember it being a great atmosphere, (and a) very physical and competitive game - two teams really going at it. It was a really good advert for the Premier League."
On rotating the Magpies' squad...
"It was good to see so many players performing well - it was good to be able to rotate some of the squad and see the strength in depth we have. We will pick a team for Saturday according to physical wellbeing and our opponent."
On Emil Krafth's performance against Chelsea in midweek...
"He's just such an unassuming, brilliant professional - really hard working, so dependable. When you meet him, you instantly like him.
"He is a very good player and underrated by the outside world. Internally, we love him, and you can see his qualities. We really value him."
On securing a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals...
"I'm really pleased with the response from the players. I thought our performance was very good and we got the result for that performance - two good goals and a clean sheet. Winning always makes you feel better about everything - there is a spring in your step."
Howay!
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 2nd
- Kick-off: 12:30 BST / 8:30 EST
- Location: St James' Park, Newcastle (England)
For all your watching needs, check LiveSoccerTV.com.
