Arsenal head to Newcastle United this weekend as the Gunners seek to keep pace with Liverpool

Arsenal head to Newcastle United this weekend as the Gunners seek to keep pace with Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

The Gunners did not find it easy up against Eddie Howe’s side last season, beaten on Tyneside in November in the league and losing home and away in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

But even at this ridiculously early stage of the season, Mikel Arteta’s side dare not drop more points should Liverpool get the win at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Bukayo Saka made his return from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games off the bench against Manchester City.

There were a few nervous glances on the Arsenal bench when the England international was left in a heap following a heavy challenge against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday but his manager eased any fears over his availability this weekend.

As Saka returns, the man who filled in so admirably for him takes his place on the sidelines. Noni Madueke is looking at six to eight weeks after suffering what is suspected to be a medial knee ligament injury.

Martin Odegaard meanwhile has not featured since limping off in the first-half against Nottingham Forest having injured the same shoulder he hurt against Leeds in the second week of the season.

The Norway international is believed to be well on the mend however and will be pushing to return this weekend.

Arsenal remain without Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus with Piero Hincapie also still nursing a hamstring injury.

Newcastle meanwhile remain without Jacob Ramsey and summer signing Yoane Wissa but Anthony Gordon is available once again having served his suspension.