Newcastle United return to Premier League action on Sunday after advancing in the Carabao Cup with a win over Bradford City earlier this week.
The Magpies began their trophy defence in style, comfortably beating their League One opponents 4-1 on Wednesday.
But a far tougher test awaits at St James’ Park this weekend.
Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side travel to the North East looking to keep pace with Liverpool in the early stages of the Premier League title race.
However, recent trips to Tyneside have brought them little joy.
Newcastle won three of their four meetings with Arsenal last season, losing only at the Emirates in the league while knocking the Gunners out of the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage.
Eddie Howe will believe his side can once again trouble Arteta’s men, particularly with the return of fan favourite Anthony Gordon.
Gordon is back after serving a three-match suspension for his tackle on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
He has already featured in the Champions League opener against Barcelona and against Bradford on Wednesday, but Sunday marks his first Premier League outing since the Liverpool clash.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe expressed his delight on the forward’s return to league action:
“It is a big boost for us to have him back fully. He can really focus on the few games we have ahead of the next international break. I thought he was excellent against Bradford.”
“He is a player that rises to the occasion, and we are going to need everyone to do that on Sunday.”
Will Anthony Gordon start against Arsenal?
Gordon is almost certain to feature, but it remains to be seen whether Howe starts him on the left wing or through the middle once again.
Newcastle’s striker situation looked bleak following Alexander Isak’s departure to Liverpool, but with Nick Woltemade showing huge potential, Gordon could be restored to his most effective role on the left flank.
The England international has a strong record against Arsenal in black and white, with three goals and one assist across seven appearances, including goals home and away in last season’s Carabao Cup semi-final.
He will bring added firepower to a fixture that always delivers a fierce atmosphere at St James’ Park and plenty of entertainment for neutrals.
All signs point to Gordon playing an impactful role on Sunday.
If he can inspire Newcastle to victory on his Premier League return, Howe’s side will be a step closer to turning their recent strong home record against Arsenal into another defining moment.
