Mikel Arteta previews Arsenal's clash with Newcastle
Arsenal travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United as they look to keep pace with Tottenham Hotspur at the top of the table. Fresh off a dismal showing against West Ham in the Carabao Cup, Mikel Arteta is expected to overhaul his lineup to help breathe new life into his squad. Here, Express Sport takes a look at Arsenal’s predicted XI for the game which includes seven changes from their last outing.
Goalkeeper- Raya
David Raya is likely to reclaim his position between the sticks after a shaky display from Aaron Ramsdale last time out against West Ham. The Englishman looked uncomfortable with the ball at his feet at times and struggled to stick to Arteta’s preference of playing from out of the back.
Defence – White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu
Oleksandr Zinchenko could lose his place in the starting XI after a rather ineffective display at London Stadium on Wednesday. Takehiro Tominyasu looked much brighter when he replaced the Ukrainian and should get the start against the Magpies. Ben White, Gabriel Magahales and William Saliba all maintain their starting places in the Premier League. Saliba was a big miss against West Ham while Gabriel and White were uncharacteristically below par. However, their consistency throughout the past few seasons means they will likely start on Saturday while Jakub Kiwior drops to the bench.
Midfield – Odegaard, Havertz, Rice
Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are always two of the first names on the team sheet but the third midfielder is becoming increasingly difficult to pick. Emile Smith-Rowe will not be available due to another injury leaving Arteta to choose between Jorginho, Fabio Vieria and Kai Havertz.
The latter is starting to slowly come into his own at the Emirates Stadium and worked hard for the team against West Ham. His physical profile will be needed against Newcastle so he is the most likely of the trio to be picked. Vieria and Jorginho were quiet on Wednesday. They lose their places in our predicted XI.
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Forwards – Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
Mikel Arteta will be hoping Eddie Nketiah can replicate his performance against Sheffield United when the Gunners make the trip to St James’ Park. He starts down the middle unchallenged with Gabriel Jesus still out injured.
Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are almost certain to start on the flanks with Leandro Trossard doing little to make a case for his inclusion against the Hammers. Reiss Nelson is switched out of the starting XI as well.
Starting XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Odegaard, Havertz, Rice; Saka, Nketiah, Martinelli
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