Predicted Arsenal line-up vs Newcastle United, Arteta to make two changes
Arsenal host Newcastle United in the penultimate game of the Premier League season at the Emirates Stadium today.
The Gunners are second in the table with 68 points and can seal their Champions League spot with a positive result against the Magpies.
Mikel Arteta’s side have lost their last three meetings versus the Tyneside outfit and have the opportunity to make amends.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya is assured to continue in goal. He made a splendid save at 2-0 at Liverpool before the Gunners shared the spoils.
The Spaniard is just one clean sheet behind Matz Selz in the Golden Glove award and has the chance to go level.
In defence, Ben White looks poised to start at right-back with Jurrien Timber struggling with his fitness.
Myles Lewis-Skelly had a nervy start against Mohamed Salah but managed to control proceedings in the second half with relative ease. He should continue at left-back.
William Saliba could have a new central defensive partner.
Jakub Kiwior has fared impressively in the injury absence of Gabriel Magalhaes but Arteta could be tempted to pick Riccardo Calafiori over him. The Italian possesses better aerial presence to tackle Alexander Isak’s threat.
In midfield, it could be a straightforward decision.
Thomas Partey should line up in the number six role. Declan Rice was back in training after a minor injury ruled him out of the Liverpool game.
The Englishman should line up alongside captain Martin Odegaard in central midfield. Mikel Merino is suspended for the game after his sending off last weekend.
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli should make up the attack again.
Saka is poised to feature from the right wing but there could be a positional change for Martinelli.
Martinelli looks a menace for Liverpool’s backline as the main striker in the second half at Anfield. He scored the first goal for the Gunners from a quality cross from Trossard on the left wing.
The duo should swap places once more with Trossard on the left flank and Martinelli leading the line.
Kai Havertz has returned to full training after a lengthy hamstring injury, but the German may not be risked from the XI. He could be restricted to a 30-minute cameo against the Magpies.
How Arsenal could line up vs Newcastle
