Joelinton up for 'battle' against Arsenal at St James' Park

And one player who is looking forward to the visit more than others is midfielder Joelinton. Fresh from bagging a brace against Bradford as the club kick-started their Carabao Cup defence.

"We’ve had great battles against them in the last few seasons. Sunday is going to be another one and we have to be ready," he said.

"It's going to be a great challenge but we’re playing at home with our fans and have to try our best to win the game."

Eddie Howe's side have an encouraging record against the Gunners at St James' Park, winning the last three encounters in the North East.

Newcastle United's Joelinton celebrates after beating Arsenal last season.(Image: Owen Humphreys / PA)

It is because the club's players see themselves as 'equals' with every team in the league.

"Every time we step on the pitch, we try to represent Newcastle in the best way possible against any team.

"We believe in ourselves and know we can play against anyone and that's what we try every game."

"That's the way we play," Joelinton continued. "We are competitors. We want to compete, want to win and every time we go against everybody, we give our best to win."

This time, both sides are bedding in a new centre forward after the major summer signings of Nick Woltemade and Victor Gyokeres.

The circumstances of their arrivals are different with Newcastle's German striker replacing the now unmentionable-on-Tyneside Alexander Isak - who appears to have been edited out of Newcastle's pre-match goal montage played on the stadium screen.

Arsenal are also bedding in a new striker after Victor Gyokeres' summer move.(Image: John Walton / PA)

"We know the noise around, but we are professional," Joelinton said of the upheaval.

"We kept the focus and do what we have to do on the pitch and everyone has done well.

"We wish Alex the best. He did well for the club and now he's gone and we have to focus on the players that are here in the squad and keep going."

Newcastle are buoyed by the return of Anthony Gordon to the side after his suspension ended. With players rested against Bournemouth last weekend and Bradford in midweek, Howe will be able to call on a strong side.

The mood on Tyneside is still upbeat despite a trickier-than-expected start to the season.

Although they have struggled to find the net, they have conceded very few - only three against Liverpool, keeping four clean sheets.

For Arsenal, Joelinton put it plainly: "We know their strengths. I'm sure the gaffer is going to put a good plan together to make sure we perform in the best way possible."

Newcastle v Arsenal is the 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday.