Arsenal could arrive at St James' Park in the bottom half of the table on Sunday afternoon.
After a poor season, the Gunners find themselves a million miles away from the stature of a European Super League club.
Under Mikel Arteta, they have lost 13 matches in the Premier League and picked up just 46 points.
True, that tally sounds a lot better than United's record this season but with this game sandwiched between Arsenal's Europa League semi-final games against Villareal, Newcastle won't get a better chance to get one over the Gunners.
Lee Ryder's prediction
If Newcastle players genuinely want to beat last season's tally of Premier League points (44) then they need to beat Arsenal.
This fixture is certainly less daunting than champions-elect Man City at home and the trip to Leicester City a week on Friday.
But victory here would set Newcastle up nicely for the home game against relegated Sheffield United and the surely doomed Fulham on the final day.
Yet it all starts here if they want to collect three wins from five.
Arsenal will be feeling the effects of the Europa League semi-final in Spain on Sunday, and they will also have an eye on the second leg.
After a full week to prepare for this one, Newcastle should be able to step up and take three points but Allan Saint-Maximin will again be the key man for the Magpies.
Referee
Mike Dean (Wirral)
The experienced whistler arrives on Tyneside for a warm welcome just a week after he was on duty in the FA Cup semi-final for Chelsea's win over Man City.
Betting
Bet 365 still make Arsenal favourites at 10/11 with Newcastle 3/1 for the win. The draw is 13/5.
