Arsenal have reclaimed first place in the Premier League, holding tiebreakers over Leicester to stand atop the table once again. It’s a place that has proved to be a perilous one this season, though, and Arsenal have to know that they need to keep fighting hard to stay up there -- especially with Manchester City just three little points behind them in the table, and arch-rival Tottenham one point further back.
Arsenal vs. Newcastle 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Arsenal are back atop the Premier League table, but need to keep winning in order to stay there.
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Their first challenge takes them up against struggling Newcastle, who are sitting in the relegation zone after losing two of their last three league matches, including heartbreaking and soul-wrenching losses to Everton and West Bromwich Albion. Their tailspin threatens to send them back to the Championship -- but an upset win over Arsenal would be a good way to get heir fortunes turned around and get to safety, but that’s going to be a tough ask considering who they’re up against.
Key player -- Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
Ramsey’s workhorse nature in midfield for Arsenal has help them turn around their form and climb back into first place in the EPL, and he’s going to be a crucial element to their efforts to stay there. His ability to help drive the attack and then get back to help shield the defense is one that few can match in England, and that’s especially useful in a match like this one. His ability to fill so many roles on the pitch will free up Arsenal to attack more freely, which against a team like Newcastle who are struggling in midfield and defense could prove to be the element they need to run wild in this game.
Key matchup -- Nacho Monreal (Arsenal) vs. Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle)
Sissoko has been a rare shining light for Newcastle in a season of little else but frustration. The Frenchman has yet to score a goal this season, but he leads the team in assists with five -- and is in fact the only member of the Magpies with more than two -- using his creative ability and skill at disrupting a back line to be the only member of Newcastle’s attack to create consistent attacking threat. It’s going to be up to Monreal to stop him, and while the Spaniard has been excellent of late, Arsenal fans will be nervous about the flipside of the wild swings in form he’s suffered throughout his career at the Emirates.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Alexis Sanchez, Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky, Jack Wilshere, Francis Coquelin, Danny Welbeck, Santi Cazorla
Newcastle United injuries and suspensions
Out: Vurnon Anita, Mike Williamson, Papiss Cisse, Massadio Haidara, Rolando Aarons, Tim Krul, Gabriel Obertan, Steven Taylor, Emmanuel Riviere, Curtis Good In doubt: Rob Elliot
These are two of the most badly-battered teams around, with their respective midfields drawing the brunt of the damage. Arsenal’s overall depth is better than Newcastle’s, though, and that advantage will be huge under the circumstances.
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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