Potential boost from Gunners’ Cup mission
ARSENAL EYEING EURO PRIZE
NEWCASTLE United’s battle for Premier League survival has been overshadowed in recent days by talk of a European Super League.
Back-to-back victories have handed Steve Bruce’s side an eight-point cushion over the relegation zone with a game in hand on Fulham.
However, the Magpies are now approaching a daunting run of fixtures before facing already relegated Sheffield United at St James’ Park, and a potentially decisive final-day showdown at Craven Cottage.
A trip to Anfield to face Liverpool this weekend is followed by encounters with Arsenal, Leicester City and champions-elect Manchester City.
It is a run which has left supporters questioning how many points United will need to pick up to ensure a fifth straight season in the Premier League.
This bid to avoid the drop could be boosted by Arsenal’s progress to the Europa League semi-finals, and a date with former manager Unai Emery. The Gunners currently sit ninth in the table, and victory in the final in Gdansk on May 26 would earn Mikel Arteta’s side a place in next season’s Champions League – dependent on developments with the Super League.
Standing in Arsenal’s way are La Liga outfit Villarreal, with the semi-final dates set for April 29 and May 6.
This knockout tie sandwiches the Gunners’ encounter at St James’ Park, and could create a selection dilemma for Arteta with the Europa League likely now the priority.
The Arsenal boss made five changes for the draw with Fulham having earned an emphatic win at Slavia Prague just three days earlier.
It is not unreasonable to assume a similar amount of changes could be on the cards for the Gunners’ trip to Tyneside, which is currently scheduled for May 1 – although that is likely to change.
Newcastle, of course, will be without Joe Willock, who is ineligible to play against his parent club.