The match at Singapore’s National Stadium on Sunday brings together a side preparing for another Premier League title push and one looking to build on Champions League qualification.
Arsenal arrive having added depth to their midfield with Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi. Their 1–0 win over AC Milan in Singapore, settled by a Saka goal, highlighted their control in midfield and ability to edge tight games. Last season they finished second, scoring 69 goals, conceding 34, and posting an xG of 59.9. Their consistent form was built on strong defence and efficient chance creation, failing to score in just five matches.
Newcastle come into the fixture after a mixed preseason. A heavy 4–0 defeat to Celtic exposed their fitness and cohesion issues. Even so, they ended last season fifth in the league, producing 63.8 xG and relying heavily on Isak in attack. They equalled Arsenal’s 20 wins but conceded more and drew fewer games, leaving them exposed in tight contests. Their matches featured over 2.5 goals in 61% of cases, reflecting a more open style of play.
While preseason results make forecasts tricky, last season’s data points to Arsenal having the edge thanks to stronger possession and defensive organisation. Newcastle’s sluggish start and Howe’s decision to send Isak home following transfer speculation suggest they are still finding their rhythm.
This match offers a glimpse of the contrast between Arsenal’s structure and Newcastle’s direct, transitional play. With both sides managing fitness and experimenting with line-ups, the encounter should hint at how each plans to approach the new season.
How the bookies view it: No odds available
Head to Head: Gunners hold the upper hand
In the last 20 meetings between Arsenal and Newcastle, Arsenal have won 13 times, Newcastle have won six, and there has been just one draw, with the most recent match ending 1–0 to Arsenal at the Emirates in May 2025. While Arsenal dominated this fixture for many years, Newcastle have improved significantly in recent seasons, winning four of the last six encounters and keeping four clean sheets in that stretch.
These games have consistently been tight and low-scoring, with just 14 goals in the last nine matches, averaging around 1.56 per game. Over 2.5 goals has landed only four times in the last 20 games, and both teams have scored in only three of the last 12, showing how often one side fails to find the net.
Players to watch: Consistent Trossard to strike
Leandro Trossard is an excellent option to back for at least two shots and a goal or assist if he starts against Newcastle. Last season he started 28 league matches and took at least one shot in 24 of them, with two or more in 18 starts. That consistency shows how involved he is in Arsenal’s attack regardless of the opponent.
Over the season he produced eight goals and seven assists, averaging a direct goal contribution roughly every 170 minutes. His ability to find space in tight games and his willingness to shoot make him dangerous, particularly against teams who defend deep. Against Newcastle, who have struggled at times to suppress wide forwards, his creativity and eye for goal give him a strong chance of delivering. His underlying numbers and form make him a reliable bet when named in the line up.
Predicted line-ups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis Skelly, Odegaard, Rice, Zubimendi, Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope, Trippier, Schar, Botman, Targett, Guimaraes, Willock, Tonali, Elanga, Barnes, Osula
Anything else catch the eye?
An under 2.5 goals bet looks sensible for this Arsenal–Newcastle friendly. In both Premier League meetings last season the scorelines were modest, with each side winning 1–0 at home. Both matches were decided by narrow margins despite respectable expected goal figures, which points toward a pattern of low‑scoring contests.
Both defences are well‑organised and capable of suppressing chances. Arsenal conceded just 0.89 goals per match and kept 13 clean sheets in 38 games, while Newcastle also managed 13 shutouts. Both backlines are structured to limit space and contain opponents rather than allow end‑to‑end play.
Big chances have also been rare between these teams. The last 20 head‑to‑head games have averaged just 1.90 goals.
Fitness and match sharpness also point toward a lower‑scoring game. Arsenal have rotated heavily in Singapore as they build toward full fitness. Newcastle’s 4–0 defeat to Celtic last week highlighted their current lack of sharpness. Friendlies at this stage often see cautious play and fewer decisive moments.
Shot volumes have been low when these sides meet. In their most recent competitive fixture at the Emirates, Newcastle registered just four shots on target, while Arsenal managed two, even though Newcastle’s xG were higher. This low shot density supports the case for a tight scoreline.
Premier League averages for under 2.5 goals sit near 50%. Arsenal’s games were under that mark 55% of the time, and although Newcastle skewed higher‑scoring overall, their meetings with Arsenal tend to buck that trend, leaning consistently toward low‑scoring outcomes.
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