Arsenal and Newcastle kick off against each other in a friendly. This time they lock horn in Singapore. Mark the date – Sunday, 27th July. This is a high-profile friendly. For Arsenal, this could be a chance to keep a win streak, after their 1-0 victory against AC Milan. Newcastle, on the other hand, could try for a comeback after a heavy loss (4-0) to Celtic.
Match Essentials
- Date & Kick-off: Sunday, 27th July at 12:30 p.m. BST (7:30 a.m. ET; 5:00 p.m. IST).
- Venue: Singapore National Stadium.
- Stream: Arsenal and Newcastle apps in UK/Australia. Paramount+ in the US. FanCode in India.
Formation & Lineups : Arsenal VS Newcastle United
Arsenal likely XI (4‑3‑3)
- GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga (expected to split halves with David Raya).
- RB: Ben White — starts as Jurrien Timber continues recovery.
- CBs: William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior.
- LB: Myles Lewis‑Skelly, stepping in for Zinchenko.
- Midfield: Martin Zubimendi (full debut), Mikel Merino, captain Martin Odegaard.
- Front three: Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard (replacing Martinelli).
- Debut watch: Cristhian Mosquera could start at centre-back.
Newcastle likely XI
With Alexander Isak absent, the Magpies will look slightly light up front:
- GK: Nick Pope (fit and part of Asia squad)
- Defense: Mix of Dan Burn, Sven Botman, Emil Krafth or Lewis Hall
- Midfield: Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton (returning from injury), Anthony Elanga likely on wing
- Attack: Harvey Barnes and Will Osula may fill forward roles—both young but promising
What’s At Stake
Arsenal’s Side
Arteta is rotating heavily. With key defensive absences (Gabriel, Timber), the pre-season boost comes from integrating new signings like Mosquera, Zubimendi, and possibly Viktor Gyokeres later this week. Academy talents like Max Dowman and Marli Salmon have already turned heads. This game becomes a platform to test freshness, control, and cohesion after their win over Milan.
Newcastle’s Side
The Newcastle squad is thin. Isak is away amid transfer rumors, and their only summer signing so far is Anthony Elanga. Confidence is low after a 4‑0 loss to Celtic. The likes of Lewis Hall and Joelinton are available again, but the squad still looks fragile heading into pre-season tests.
Predictions and Thoughts
Arsenal is going into this match with more confidence. They are looking more in-form and more balanced. Their recent win over AC Milan boosted their morale. The game tempo says that their new signings seem to be settling well. Mikel Arteta will use this game to test different combinations. Especially with key defenders still missing. Expect Arsenal to focus on tempo and control.
Newcastle, on the other hand, is completely off tempo. They arrive with more questions than answers. Their 4–0 loss to Celtic exposed major gaps in attack and defense. Without Alexander Isak, their forward threat looks limited. Eddie Howe will likely put more pressure in defending. And probably use counter-attacks to stay in the game.
Most predictions point to a narrow Arsenal win. The score perhaps will be either 2–1 or 3–1. Newcastle has to stay organized and take their chances on the break. If they do, this could cause a surprise.
This is not a normal pre season friendly. Both teams will treat this game seriously. For Arsenal, it’s a chance to build rhythm. For Newcastle, it’s about finding structure and confidence.
The performances on this friendly will say a lot. Arteta wants fluency. Howe needs belief. Expect more than just a warm-up.
Author’s Note
This may be a friendly, but the performances will say a lot. Arteta wants fluency; Howe needs belief. Expect more than just a warm-up.
This match is more than just a friendly. It’s about Arsenal solidifying their pre-season momentum and Newcastle’s fragile morale under scrutiny. With missing names and new faces everywhere, Arteta and Howe will take lessons. They probably won’t take the stats back to training for what comes next.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
