Arsenal could be boosted by the arrival of much-needed figure nine when they enter Singapore on Sunday.
The Gunners have finished second in each of the last three seasons – twice from Manchester City and most recently Liverpool – not regularly considered the reason they can’t go online.
Mikel Arteta isn’t completely in a hurry to solve this problem, but it seems that the search is over and Viktor Gyokores will complete his lasting move from the Sporting CP.
Swedish International will not be rushed to join other teams in the Far East, but his joining will improve players when entering a friendly match against Newcastle.
Arteta admits that the pressure of this season will eventually lift some silverware.
He said: “Stress is a great word. I think it means we believe in the ability we want to achieve what we want to achieve. We have been very, very close over the past few seasons and the entire team will determine if we achieve that.”
“But we have to make sure we don’t ignore the level we want to achieve every day to determine what we want to determine what we want. Because that’s the most important one. Internal demand must always outweigh any external demand. That’s what we want to achieve every day.”
If Arsenal’s transfer business is taking a pace – they have signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera, besides the upcoming Gyokores – that can’t be said for Newcastle.
Although Arsenal will be supported by the arrival of a Swedish, Newcastle may be weakened by the departure of another Swedish, and star Alexander Isak ponders his future at Tyneside’s home.
The club line is that the striker is not in Singapore as he is nursing a thigh injury, but yesterday it was reported that Isak is exploring a migration away from St James Park.
Liverpool is still a favorite to sign a 25-year-old boy, and the Saudi professional league is also interested.
This is not an ideal situation for the hippies that have missed Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro, James Trafford and Hugo Ekitike this summer.
Midfielder Bruno Guimaraes told Sky Sports: “Of course, he’s the top player and we know everything that’s going on around us.
“We want to keep our best player. He’s the top forward and he was talking to himself last season. As far as I know, he stayed with injuries. We know what’s going on behind him, but I’m not asking me to talk about him, it’s something the club will take care of.”
Arsenal v. Newcastle Team News
Arteta may make changes from the side that beat AC Milan 1-0 on Wednesday. Martin Odegaard, Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly all have access to the starting XI.
Madueke is still on vacation, but Mosquitoes are in Singapore and can make their debut.
Newcastle was beaten 4-0 by the Celtics last Saturday, with some of their key figures able to play against Arsenal.
Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and new signing Anthony Elanga are playing halftime at Parkhead, but will likely start.
Arsenal V Newcastle’s expected lineup
Arsenal: Raya; White, Saliba, Chiville, Lewis Sely; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Merino; Nwaneri, Trossard, Martinelli
Newcastle: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley; Elanga, Gordon, Osula
How to watch Arsenal V Newcastle: TV and online streaming
Arsenal and Newcastle start at 1230 British time on Sunday. It can be streamed on Arsenal TV and NUFC TV.
Arsenal V Newcastle Statistics
Newcastle has a good record against Arsenal recently, winning three of the last four games in all matches
The Gunners did win their recent matches, but Declan Rice scored the only goal in the emirate in May
Arsenal V Newcastle’s prediction
Newcastle seems unable to do much off-field at the moment, but they are still competitive with it.
That said, we think Arsenal has the depth of the lineup to eliminate the Tynesider, especially when the players are tired at the latter stage.
Forecast: Arsenal 3-1 Newcastle
