Newcastle United will hope to make it five games unbeaten in the Premier League on Saturday evening when they travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal.
The Magpies drew 2-2 with Bournemouth at St James’ Park on Saturday, dropping two crucial points in the race for a top-six finish. In addition, Brighton and Hove Albion leapfrogged them in seventh position on Sunday following the 5-0 smashing of Sheffield United.
Eddie Howe’s side have lacked momentum since the turn of the year, leaving them seven points off sixth-placed Manchester United. He will want his team to string a few wins, starting against Arsenal, who are in rollicking form of late and remain only two points off league leaders Liverpool.
Newcastle United Team News
Alexander Isak and Joe Willock are nearing returns from respective groin and Achilles injuries, and after the duo narrowly missed to make the squad against Bournemouth, they should be back for the trip to Arsenal. Matt Targett and Elliot Anderson are due back in training within the next week after serious injury blows.
Fabian Schar suffered a wrist injury in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, but Eddie Howe played down talk of a potential layoff during his post-match presser. Meanwhile, Joelinton, Nick Pope and Callum Wilson remain sidelined for extended periods.
Predicted Newcastle United lineup vs Arsenal (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
It has been difficult for Martin Dubravka to keep clean sheets, with the Newcastle defenders not protecting the Slovakian shot-stopper enough. On Saturday at the Emirates Stadium, he must produce a top display in goal to help the Magpies return to Tyneside with a positive result.
Defence
Should Fabian Schar avoid a wrist injury, he will continue partnering Sven Botman in central defence for Newcastle. The duo have to be on their toes from start to finish to keep an in-form Arsenal side quiet.
Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn should function as the full-backs as usual. The two players will look to help out defensively and join the attack when required.
Midfield
Bruno Guimaraes is the beating heart of this Newcastle side. From the No.6 position, he will look to protect the backline as well as initiate attacks for his side.
The Brazilian will be joined by Lewis Miley and Sean Longstaff in the engine room. Joe Willock’s return from injury would be a timely boost for the visitors, and he will look to make an impact off the bench and haunt his former club at the weekend.
Attack
In the injury absence of Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon must lead the Newcastle attack once again. Miguel Almiron and Harvey Barnes should take up the wide roles, hoping to link up well with Gordon in the final third and cause problems for the Arsenal full-backs.
Alexander Isak could be an option to come off the bench if the Magpies are searching for more dynamism and flair in attack.