Howe wants Magpies to 'rise to the occasion' against Gunners | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta's men arrive at St. James' Park this weekend for the first time since they were beaten 2-0 on Tyneside in the second leg of last season's Carabao Cup semi-final.

The last few campaigns have brought some memorable games between the two sides, and Howe is hopeful his charges can overcome the challenge posed by the Gunners and record a second Premier League win of the season.

Here are some of the main talking points from the United head coach's pre-match media briefing on Friday morning:

On the prospect of facing Arsenal...

"It has always been a competitive game against Arsenal, and there has been an edge to those games as both teams want to win.

"The more competitive we are, the better we play. We need to bring that to the game on Sunday."

On Nick Woltemade...

"I see him as a (number) nine - he plays it differently to other strikers we’ve had in the past. It is about utilising Nick's strengths.

"I was really impressed with him in the short time he had (against Bradford City) on Wednesday. He showed his creative flair."

On Anthony Gordon, who returns from a three-match league suspension on Sunday...

"It is a big boost for us to have him back fully. He can really focus on the few games we have ahead of the next international break.

"I thought he was excellent against Bradford. He is a player that rises to the occasion, and we are going to need everyone to do that on Sunday."

On team news and availability...

"We have a couple of players to check today, (but) no major injuries from the game.

"Jacob (Murphy) is doing okay - it is an issue we are managing. He is fit and available, but some days he has been sore, so we are just trying to manage his load."

On Jacob Ramsey's expected return date...

"His recovery is going well. He is on the grass working hard and building his fitness back up. I think it will be after the international break that we see him. Anything before that, then he will be ahead of schedule."

On Will Osula's brace against the Bantams in midweek...

"He did a lot of work, individual work,, last season, focused on all aspects of his game. He is here and he has done well.

"He had an excellent performance on Wednesday - two brilliant goals, and it could have been more."