Back to back wins over Southampton, Huddersfield Town and Leicester City in the domestic league in the last three games has pushed Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle United into the top half of the points table. Though they do not have much to play for this season, the manager will want his side to finish the season on a high and will look to continue his winning run this weekend, when they welcome Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal to St James’ on Sunday.
The Gunners marched into the last-4 of the Europa League earlier this week and will be high on confidence. They are also on a 3-match winning run but will know that the Magpies are a hard side to beat. Rafa will have his plans for this game but his side needs to be at its best for them to take anything from this game. A win in this game can push United above Everton to the 9th place and though the 1-0 loss at Emirates in December in the reverse fixture is still fresh in the minds, Newcastle United are sure to put up a fight in this tie. Here is the predicted lineup Rafa might field for this tie:
Team News:
Rafa revealed that he has no new injury issues ahead of this game against Arsenal. Jesus Gamez is still recovering from his foot injury and will remain the only absentee for this weekend.
Expected lineup (4-4-1-1):
Defence:
Martin Dubravka has now cemented his place in the first team under Rafa and will start under the bar this weekend. Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune were effective in the game at King Power and will keep their places at the back for this tie.
Paul Dummett also had a productive outing in the last round and will start at left-back while DeAndre Yedlin will start at right-back.
Midfield:
The Magpies have a number of options to chose from for every role in the midfield. Jonjo Shelvey opened the scoring against the Foxes and should start this game as well. He should be partnered with Mohamed Diame, who did not last the whole game against Leicester City.
Matt Ritchie put in a productive shift on the right flank in the midfield and will start there while Kenedy, who is now an integral part of the squad, will keep his place on the left flank.
Attack:
Ayoze Perez scored what turned out to be the winner for his side last weekend. He will hope to have a similar game against Arsenal and will play a supporting role to Joselu, who might replace Dwight Gayle in the first team.
Here is how they might line up:
