Arsenal will look to bounce back from their 4-0 hiding at the hands of Liverpool last weekend when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.
The loss put an end to Arsenal’s 10-game unbeaten run and showed just how much work Mikel Arteta has on his hands if he is to restore the Gunners to their former glory.
Arteta, will, however, be confident of his team’s chances, given they have taken 13 points from the last 15 available at the Emirates Stadium.
Moreover, Arsenal have won the last seven meetings between the two teams in all competitions and have not conceded to Newcastle at home since 2014.
Arsenal Team News
Granit Xhaka is Arsenal’s only notable absentee. The Swiss has returned to training, but is expected to be available only in late December.
Kieran Tierney and Martin Odegaard are pressing for starts after being left on the bench against Liverpool.
Predicted Arsenal Lineup vs Newcastle United (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Aaron Ramsdale has had a sensational start to his Arsenal career, keeping six clean sheets in 10 appearances in all competitions. The English shot-stopper made a string of impressive saves last time out against Liverpool to keep the scoreline respectable.
Defenders
Nuno Tavares’ inexperience was on full display against Liverpool as he put in an extremely nervy performance at left-back. He will likely be replaced by Kieran Tierney in the Arsenal lineup. The former Celtic man has shaken off his ankle problems.
The rest of the backline should stay the same. Gabriel and Ben White have begun to form a solid partnership at the heart of Arsenal’s defence, while Takehiro Tomiyasu has impressed at right-back following his arrival from Bologna in the summer.
Midfielders
Albert Sambi Lokonga was extremely poor against Liverpool and could make way for Ainsley Maitland-Niles in the Arsenal lineup.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Newcastle United
Thomas Partey, however, should retain his spot in the Arsenal XI despite a mediocre performance at Anfield last time out.
Martin Odegaard could be handed his first start in six games for Arsenal, replacing Alexandre Lacazette. The Norwegian will play a key role in helping break down the Newcastle defence with his passing range and vision.
Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka both failed to make any sort of impact against Liverpool. But while Smith Rowe should retain his spot at left-wing, Saka could be replaced by Nicolas Pepe.
Attackers
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will lead the line for Arsenal once again. The Gabon international has netted in each of his last five games against the Magpies and will fancy his chances of getting on the scoresheet on Saturday.