Arsenal must swiftly brush off Champions League disappointment as they welcome Newcastle United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening in the Premier League.
The Gunners fell to a 0-1 loss in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League affair with FC Porto in Portugal on Wednesday evening, which means Mikel Arteta’s boys have work to do in the return leg next month. They now resume Premier League duty on a five-game winning sequence, which includes back-to-back big wins over West Ham United and Burnley.
With Liverpool taking on Chelsea in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium, the north London side will be keen to take advantage of their game in hand and reduce the gap at the summit to two points with a victory over the inconsistent Newcastle side.
Arsenal Team News
Fabio Vieira returned to the matchday squad against Porto in midweek but was an unused substitute. Thomas Partey, who was spotted in team training earlier this week following a thigh operation, did not make the cut for the last-16 Champions League tie with Porto, although he could make the squad against Newcastle at the weekend.
All of Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko were absent for the trip to Portugal as well and the quick turnaround makes a comeback on Saturday highly unlikely for any of them.
Meanwhile, Jurrien Timber continues to be out owing to a knee injury, despite progressing well in his recovery.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Newcastle United (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
David Raya would think he should have done better to keep out Galeno’s stoppage-time goal for Porto in midweek. Nonetheless, the Spaniard has performed well since the turn of the year and will keep his place in goal.
Defence
It is unlikely to see any changes to the back four that started in the 1-0 defeat to Porto, meaning Jakub Kiwior, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Ben White should all ideally start in the Arsenal lineup.
Kiwior will continue to deputise for the injured Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back, with White a permanent fixture at right-back since last season. Saliba will pair up with Gabriel Magalhaes in central defence once again, hoping to keep the Newcastle attackers at bay.
Midfield
Following a quick turnaround, Mikel Arteta may consider refreshing his midfield unit with the inclusion of Jorginho in the Arsenal lineup.
The Italian’s entry into the first XI will add more bite to Arsenal’s midfield while allowing Declan Rice to operate from the No.8 role. Martin Odegaard, as a free No.8, will look to use his imagination and industry to exploit the gaps between Newcastle’s midfield and defence.
Emile Smith Rowe could be an option to come off the bench when required.
Attack
Kai Havertz is expected to be moved into the false 9 role against the Magpies, flanked by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli in the Arsenal lineup.
The German’s link-up play and tactical flexibility, coupled with Saka and Martinelli’s pace, flair and creativity, has worked well in big games for Arsenal this season, and Arteta will hope the trio click into gear from the first minute on Saturday.