Newcastle vs Arsenal Premier League score predicted with early kick-off drama

A tough test awaits Arsenal later today, with the Gunners making the trip north to take on Newcastle United at St. James' Park.

After drawing 2-2 with Liverpool in their last Premier League outing, Arsenal returned to winning ways midweek with a 3-0 win over Preston in the Carabao Cup. The victory set up a clash with Crystal Palace in the Round of 16, but for now, attention turns back to the Premier League, with a difficult trip away to Newcastle awaiting Mikel Arteta's side.

Arsenal ran riot in the last meeting between the two sides as they beat the Magpies 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium, but the last clash at St. James' Park saw Newcastle beat the Gunners 1-0, with VAR drama stealing the show. William Saliba is available in the league once again after returning from suspension against Preston, while Gabriel is also expected to be fit.

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So, can Arsenal pick up three points to stay hot on the heels of their title rivals? Let's take a look.

We simulated Newcastle vs Arsenal to get a score prediction

To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.

We predict that the Magpies could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Barnes, Isak, Gordon.

We predict that Arsenal could set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Raya; Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli; Havertz.

It was a sluggish start from Arsenal at St. James' Park, with the Gunners sloppy in possession, giving the ball way countless times in midfield during the first half. Just before the break, Newcastle almost took advantage of the Gunners' slow start when Thomas Partey was caught flat-footed in defence as Anthony Gordon raced through on goal, but David Raya made a fantastic save to deny the winger.

Just after the restart, Newcastle's pressure paid off as they took the lead, with Alexander Isak rifling a shot into the far corner from just inside the box to make the task even tougher for Arsenal. After going behind, Arteta's side started to find their stride, and after peppering Nick Pope's goal with shots, they managed to eventually find the net.

Gabriel's header from Bukayo Saka's corner rattled the front post before the ball rebounded back to the feet of the Brazilian, and the defender took aim once again, but his powerful effort was well saved by Pope. Fortunately for the Gunners, the save fell towards Gabriel Jesus, and the substitute was quickest to react as he prodded home to draw Arsenal level.

The Gunners had their tails up for the final 10 minutes of the game, and in the 86th minute, Arteta's side were awarded a penalty when Bruno Guimaraes kicked through Declan Rice as the two challenged for a loose ball. Saka stepped up to take, and he sent the keeper the wrong way to bury the spot kick and hand Arsenal a huge three points.

EA FC 25 predicted final score: Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

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