Newcastle have a huge chance to put themselves within touching distance of survival against Arsenal.
With Fulham losing to Chelsea on Saturday evening, the Magpies remain nine points clear of the drop zone.
A win against the Gunners would increase the gap to 12 points, which would pretty much guarantee safety. It would also take us up to the dizzy heights of 13th.
If we win, Fulham would then need to win their next three games and hope we lose our next three – setting up a relegation decider on the final day at Craven Cottage.
Survival almost looks assured for Newcastle, but a win against Arsenal would all but confirm it.
And we have a great chance. Arsenal haven’t won any of their last three games, and also have a Europa League semi final second leg to focus on.
Combine that with Newcastle’s improved form, and there is reason for optimism.
Kick off is at 2pm at St James’ Park, with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK.
How Newcastle lineup against the Gunners
Steve Bruce has made one change to the team that drew against Liverpool last weekend.
Joelinton drops to the bench in place of top scorer Callum Wilson.
It will be the 29-year-old’s first start since February, having picked up a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win over Southampton.
Elsewhere, it is the same side that salvaged a late point at Anfield.
Matt Ritchie starts despite being an injury doubt ahead of kick off.
There’s no Joe Willock on the bench, however. The midfielder is ineligible due to being on loan from today’s opponents.
Confirmed XI to face Arsenal: Dubravka; Murphy, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Ritchie; S.Longstaff, Shelvey, Almiron; Saint-Maximin, Wilson.
Bench: Gillespie, Schar, Lewis, Krafth, M.Longstaff, Hendrick, Anderson, Gayle, Joelinton
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
