The Geordies have been in formidable form at home this season with Eddie Howe expertly guiding his side towards an impending top 4 spot. Investment across all 3 levels of the field has seen Newcastle average 2 goals a game at home with the second most formidable backline.

The same back 4 and keeper are expected to keep their place with Nick Pope gunning for the golden glove. Meanwhile, Howe has the option to pick between Alexander Isak in exceptional form and Callum Wilson as a backup with 8 goals in 7 games. The keys to the system come in the Brazilian pairing of Bruno Guimares and Joelinton in stellar form with the former providing technical ability which sets him aside from others in the 6 role.

At home, they have lost just once in their 16 PL home games when Liverpool came to town. A catastrophic error from Nick Pope saw the home side down to 10 men just 25 minutes in, yet they still won on xG. In fact, only two sides have won the xG battle at St James Park this season with neither Man City nor West Ham coming away with three points.

Arsenal’s wingers tend to operate off the touchline with runs into the middle of the park which the energetic Joelinton and Willock should help cover in midfield. This was exemplified in the reverse fixture where right winger Bukayo Saka managed just a single shot and Arsenal were limited to 1.17 xG. Going forward, Isak should be able to pin either of Arsenal’s back-up centre halves who partner Gabriel to create a direct route through.

It’s fair to say no one expected Arsenal as title challengers back in August but exceptional recruitment and coaching has seen them tantalisingly close to City after leading the way all season. After a tough few results, a dominant win over a lacklustre Chelsea will hope to kick start some momentum going into the final 5 games to put pressure on the leaders.

Adrift by a point having played a game more, Arsenal must win every game remaining to even have a shot at PL glory. They will look to build on their exceptional away record which has seen them pick up the most points on the road this season, scoring the most goals with 33 in 17 trips.

The key man on Tuesday night was their Norwegian skipper Martin Odegaard who found the back of the net twice to continue his excellent season. I believe he will have a different role on Sunday neutralising Bruno Guimaraes and limiting his ability to set the pace of the game. Odegaard has played this more defensive role in away games, alongside Saka, where they have limited opponents to just 9 shots per 90. Even in the reverse fixture, Newcastle managed just 5, well below their season average of 13.

With the likes of Jesus, Martinelli and Saka flowing forward as well, the Gunners will be aiming for a convincing 3 points on Sunday.