United face the Gunners at St. James’ Park (kick-off 12:30pm GMT) looking to build on Wednesday night’s 2-0 Carabao Cup victory over Chelsea, which booked a third successive appearance in the quarter-finals of the competition.
Howe’s side need a victory over Mikel Arteta’s charges this weekend to arrest a five-game winless run in the Premier League, though, and Newcastle’s head coach knows the size of the task his men face against a title-chasing Gunners outfit.
He spoke with the media on Friday morning ahead of the game. Here are some of the key talking points from that pre-match media briefing:
On Arsenal…
“They are a very good team with a very good manager. Now we play one of the most consistent teams in the Premier League for the last couple of years so the challenge for us is never easy, but we’re at home.
“Arsenal have done very well this season. They are very good from set plays and a physical team. We need to be ready for that test.”
On Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak…
“They both feel okay, we will assess how they feel today, 48 hours after the game.
“They have both had niggling injuries. We’ll make a decision today. We need to make sure whoever enters the pitch against Arsenal is in the best physical condition.”
On Callum Wilson…
“Callum is doing okay, he’s building his load again. There was no real injury but just a feeling in his body that he couldn’t push as hard as he wanted.
“We’ll see how he is but probably with the two-week gap best to leave it.”
On last season’s home win over the Gunners…
“I do remember it being a great atmosphere, (and a) very physical and competitive game – two teams really going at it. It was a really good advert for the Premier League.”
On rotating the Magpies’ squad…
“It was good to see so many players performing well – it was good to be able to rotate some of the squad and see the strength in depth we have. We will pick a team for Saturday according to physical wellbeing and our opponent.”
On Emil Krafth’s performance against Chelsea in midweek…
“He’s just such an unassuming, brilliant professional – really hard working, so dependable. When you meet him, you instantly like him.
“He is a very good player and underrated by the outside world. Internally, we love him, and you can see his qualities. We really value him.”
On securing a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals…
“I’m really pleased with the response from the players. I thought our performance was very good and we got the result for that performance – two good goals and a clean sheet. Winning always makes you feel better about everything – there is a spring in your step.”
