Arsenal host Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night, in what is shaping up to be a pivotal fixture in Mikel Arteta’s side’s season.
After a disappointing draw on the south coast against Brighton on the weekend, the atmosphere around the North London club has soured.
The Gunners sit six points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand, and belief that the title is still in Arsenal’s grasp is subsequently beginning to dwindle.
While a key statistic hints that Arsenal should retain hope of winning the league, the prospects of attaining the piece of silverware that has eluded the club since 2004 are certainly diminishing.
Thus, Tuesday night’s encounter with the Magpies in the EFL Cup takes on extra significance, and Arteta’s outfit may have received a boost ahead of the game due to two Newcastle absences.
Bruno Guimaraes and Fabian Schar suspended for Arsenal clash
Newcastle travel to North London in great form, having beaten Manchester United and Tottenham away in their last two outings respectively.
Eddie Howe’s team have found their mojo again after some early season struggles, and will be confident in their ability to get a result against a depleted Arsenal side.
However, the Tynesiders have some of their own issues to contend with, with star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and imperious centre-half Fabian Schar both set to miss the game through suspension.
Both players received yellow cards during Newcastle’s 3-1 quarter-final win over Brentford last month, meaning they’ve accumulated two bookings each in the EFL Cup this term.
EFL rules state that any player tallying two yellows prior to the semi-final stage is handed a one-match ban.
However, both Schar and Guimaraes will be available for selection for the second-leg on February 5th at St. James’ Park.
Howe will be forced to reconstruct his midfield and defence, which could suit an Arsenal team in dire need of an explosive attacking performance.
Ethan Nwaneri shone for the Gunners against Brighton on the weekend, and the teenager will be looking to exploit Newcastle’s makeshift side, if he’s passed fit enough to start.
Newcastle missing several players through injury
As well as these suspensions, Howe has an extensive list of injury absentees that he has to deal with for the trip to N5.
According to Premier Injuries, Callum Wilson, Emil Krafth, Jamal Lascelles and Nick Pope are all out with various fitness problems, while Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon are also doubts.
Gordon sustained a knock to the face in the north-east outfit’s win over Tottenham on Saturday afternoon, and could miss out on Tuesday because of this.
Arteta has continued to opt for Thomas Partey at right-back, and thus Gordon’s potential absence will be a huge relief for the Gunners’ faithful, with the winger certainly capable of threatening the Ghanian on Arsenal’s right-hand side.
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