Arsenal are aiming to shut the hole on Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool this weekend once they go to Newcastle United within the Premier League.
The Gunners have dropped 5 factors of their final two outings and may very well be reduce adrift from the Cityzens and the Reds ought to they fail to beat Newcastle at St James’ Park in Saturday’s early kick-off. It is a fixture they’ve misplaced in two of the final three seasons and such a slip-up on the weekend might show deadly to their Premier League title bid.
Mikel Arteta will likely be sweating on some late health checks forward of the journey to Tyneside, with the likes of Gabriel and Ben White each uncertain within the Arsenal defence. Nevertheless, after with the ability to relaxation some key gamers midweek within the Carabao Cup fourth spherical win over Preston North Finish, the Spanish coach ought to be capable to subject a powerful and contemporary lineup.
Right here is how Arsenal might line up at Newcastle for a crunch conflict.
GK: David Raya – Even Raya was afforded the night time off midweek as younger Tommy Setford saved a clear sheet on his Arsenal debut. The Spaniard will return on Saturday and could also be busy up in opposition to a ferocious Newcastle entrance line.
RB: Thomas Partey – White is a doubt after lacking the midweek win over Preston and accidents to Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori and Kieran Tierney imply Arteta’s full-back woes persist. Partey crammed in in opposition to Liverpool at right-back and coped effectively with Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.
CB: William Saliba – Saliba’s absence was felt by Arsenal final weekend as they conceded from a set-piece and a swift counter-attack. The Frenchman has returned from his one-game suspension and will likely be key to stifling Alexander Isak and co.
CB: Gabriel – The Brazilian is an damage doubt after being withdrawn in opposition to Liverpool final weekend however Arteta claimed his centre-back is “a lot better than anticipated”. He might begin at Newcastle however Jakub Kiwior will likely be drafted in in any other case.
LB: Jurrien Timber – Timber was a shock starter at Preston having additionally hobbled off in opposition to Liverpool. The versatile defender will likely be requested to fill in at left-back as soon as once more.
DM: Declan Rice – An unused substitute at Deepdale, Rice will likely be contemporary for an almighty midfield battle in opposition to Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. The uber-consistent Arsenal man is more likely to rise to the problem.
DM: Mikel Merino – Merino opened his Arsenal account with a header in opposition to Liverpool and was given one other run out in opposition to Preston midweek. Nevertheless, he was withdrawn at half-time in opposition to the Championship facet, more likely to hold him contemporary for Saturday.
RW: Bukayo Saka – Just lately nominated for the Premier League Participant of the Month award for October, Saka will likely be desirous to get pleasure from a equally devastating November. He has three objectives and 7 assists in eight league outings this time period.
AM: Leandro Trossard – The Belgian has typically proved a clutch performer since his transfer to north London and Arsenal might use a few of his magic at St James’ Park. It has been a hit-and-miss marketing campaign for Trossard to this point.
LW: Gabriel Martinelli – The turbo-charged winger will likely be eager to greatest the promising Tino Livramento on the weekend, maybe exposing the attack-minded full-back on the break. He is been quietly discovering some kind after a troublesome spell on the finish of final season.
ST: Kai Havertz – Scored and assisted in Arsenal’s 4-1 dwelling win over Newcastle final time period and bagged once more midweek to take his tally to seven for the season. He is sure to maintain Fabian Schar and Dan Burn guessing along with his clever positioning.