Arsenal turn their attention to the Carabao Cup semi-final this week as they play against Newcastle in the first leg at the Emirates.
The Gunners drew 1-1 to Brighton in their last match, dropping points for the first time since the 0-0 draw to Everton in mid-December.
The result left Arsenal second in the Premier League table, six points and a game in hand behind Liverpool who sit on 46 points.
Mikel Arteta is aiming to win his first piece of silverware since the 2019/20 FA Cup which remains the only trophy that Arsenal have won under Arteta.
They are dealing with injury problems as Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are all expected to miss the Newcastle match.
Furthermore, youngster Ethan Nwaneri suffered a muscle injury against Brighton and so he is also set to be out for around two weeks.
Attacker Kai Havertz is likely to return however, after he has been dealing with an illness. Arteta said on Monday: “I hope so, but I don’t want to say yes because last time I said I thought he was going to be fit, and he wasn’t fit.”
They play against a Newcastle side who are fifth in the Premier League, and have won their last six matches in all competitions.
Arsenal made favourites against tough Magpies
The Gunners have been backed by the bookmakers to win the first leg at the Emirates on Tuesday night, despite Newcastle’s recent impressive form.
According to Oddschecker, Arsenal are backed at odds of 8/9 to win, giving them a 52.9% chance to go into the second leg ahead.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are backed at 18/5 (21.7%), and a draw is backed at odds of 27/10 (27%). We predict a 1-1 draw, ahead of Arsenal heading to St James’ Park for the second leg which comes at the start of February.
Where to watch the Gunners take on Newcastle
The game kicks off at 8 pm on Tuesday 7 January from the Emirates Stadium, and it will be available to watch on Sky Sports Football, and ITV1 from 7.30 pm.
Highlights will be posted to Sky Sports’ YouTube channel following the game.