The stage is set for a Premier League showdown that’s got everyone talking: Newcastle United host Arsenal at the storied St. James’ Park on Sunday, September 28, 2025. With both teams coming off mixed results in league and cup competitions, anticipation is reaching fever pitch as fans ponder which side will seize the moment in this crucial early-season fixture.
The action kicks off at 4:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. Eastern Time) in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, and the match will be broadcast live on USA Network and Telemundo, with streaming available on Fubo, NBC Sports App, DirecTV, Sling, and Hulu + Live TV. For those in the U.S. looking to tune in, options abound, including free trials for new users on several platforms. No excuses for missing this one!
St. James’ Park, with its capacity crowd of 52,000, promises an electric atmosphere. Newcastle’s home ground has long been a fortress, and the Magpies will be counting on their passionate supporters to push them forward against a formidable Arsenal side.
Let’s talk recent form. Newcastle, after a goalless draw with Bournemouth in the league, roared back with a statement 4-1 win over Bradford in the EFL Cup. Joelinton and William Osula each bagged a brace in that cup tie, underlining the squad’s attacking potential when firing on all cylinders. As for Arsenal, Mikel Arteta’s men battled to a 1-1 draw with Manchester City—thanks to a dramatic late equalizer from Gabriel Martinelli—before dispatching Port Vale 2-0 in the EFL Cup, with Eberechi Eze netting his first goal for the club.
So, how do the lineups look heading into this pivotal clash? Newcastle are expected to field Nick Pope between the sticks, with Kieran Trippier and Tino Livramento returning at full-back. The midfield trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, and Bruno Guimarães looks set to reunite, providing both steel and creativity. Up front, Nick Woltemade—fresh off his summer move from Germany—will lead the attack, flanked by Anthony Elanga and Anthony Gordon, who returns from suspension. Injuries, however, continue to bite: Jacob Ramsey (ankle), Yoane Wissa (knee), and Fabian Schar (head) are all sidelined.
For Arsenal, there’s plenty of intrigue. Bukayo Saka, eased back from a hamstring issue and subbed off after an hour in the midweek cup win, is poised for his first league start in a month. Captain Martin Ødegaard remains a doubt with a nagging shoulder injury and may only feature from the bench. Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Hincapie are all out, while Eberechi Eze—buoyed by his goal at Port Vale—could be handed a more advanced role. The predicted Arsenal XI: Raya (GK); Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze.
Looking at the recent head-to-head, Arsenal have enjoyed the upper hand but Newcastle have shown they’re no pushovers, especially at home. The last five meetings tell the story: Arsenal triumphed 2-0 in February 2025, while Newcastle managed a 1-1 draw in October 2024. Earlier, Arsenal won 3-1 in April 2024, but Newcastle held them to a 2-2 draw in December 2023. August 2023 saw Arsenal edge it 1-0. It’s a rivalry that rarely disappoints, with drama and unpredictability baked in.
Bookmakers are giving Arsenal a slight edge, with DraftKings listing the Gunners at +115 to win. Yet, with Newcastle’s home form and recent cup heroics, it’s anyone’s guess how this one will play out. As always, injuries, tactical tweaks, and the intangible factor of crowd energy could tip the scales.
Key players? Plenty to keep your eyes on. For Newcastle, Callum Wilson’s knack for scoring crucial goals—though he may start on the bench—remains a threat, while Bruno Guimarães’ vision and passing could dictate the tempo in midfield. For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka’s pace and creativity on the flank are game-changing, and if Martin Ødegaard is fit enough to feature, his ability to unlock defenses will be vital. Eberechi Eze, fresh from opening his Arsenal account, adds a new dimension to Arteta’s attack.
Tactically, Newcastle are likely to set up in a compact, counter-attacking shape, aiming to soak up pressure and spring forward with pace. Their ability to transition quickly, especially through the midfield dynamism of Guimarães and Tonali, could catch Arsenal off guard. Arsenal, meanwhile, will look to dominate possession, patiently probing for openings and relying on the interplay between Saka, Rice, and their forward line to break down Newcastle’s rearguard.
Both teams have plenty to play for. Arsenal are keen to return to winning ways in the league and keep pace with the early frontrunners, while Newcastle are eager to prove their credentials as genuine top-six contenders. With the Premier League fixture list heating up, every point counts—and both managers will be desperate to avoid dropping any in this high-stakes encounter.
Broadcast details are sorted and fans worldwide are gearing up for a contest that could have significant implications for both teams’ seasons. Whether you’re tuning in for the tactical chess match or the individual brilliance of players like Saka, Guimarães, and Eze, this fixture is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event on the football calendar.
As kickoff approaches, the excitement is palpable. Will Arsenal’s attacking flair outshine Newcastle’s home resilience? Can the Magpies spring a surprise in front of their raucous supporters? One thing’s for sure: when the whistle blows at St. James’ Park, all eyes will be glued to the action. The Premier League drama continues, and this clash promises to deliver thrills, spills, and perhaps a few twists along the way.
With both teams boasting talent, ambition, and plenty to prove, Sunday’s match at St. James’ Park could set the tone for the weeks ahead. Fans, pundits, and neutrals alike will be watching closely as Newcastle and Arsenal battle for early-season momentum in what’s sure to be a memorable Premier League encounter.
