Arsenal will be looking to go back to the top of the Premier League table when they host Newcastle United on Saturday at 5:30pm.
The Gunners have dropped from top spot for the first time in a long while, after losing back-to-back matches. That includes defeat to Manchester City last weekend, who leapfrogged the Gunners on goal scored after victory in midweek.
Arsenal predicted lineup vs Newcastle
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Havertz, Eze.
Mikel Arteta’s have dropped to second-favourites to win the league now, per bookmaker odds. But Opta’s Season Projections still have Arsenal with a 65.36% chance of winning the league, compared to Man City’s 34.64%.
A win over Newcastle here, ending a poor run, would be a big statement for Arsenal.
Arsenal team news vs Newcastle
This is a big game for Arsenal. But they must also keep an eye on their Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid in midweek. There are also still a few doubts in Arteta’s selection.
Bukayo Saka will return to the squad but may not start, so Noni Madueke will continue at right-wing. But who will play behind him? Ben White has come under fire after a few poor performances, and Jurrien Timber remains a doubt. So Cristhian Mosquera may continue at right-back. Piero Hincapie is likely to start on the left, with Riccardo Calafiori also still not confirmed to be available.
So the defence should remain the same as the one that started the defeat to Man City last weekend, with Gabriel and William Saliba in front of David Raya. In fact, Arteta could name an unchanged XI.
Dabble sign-up offer: Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets
Not signed up to Dabble yet? Here's how to claim the Bet £10+ & Receive £10 In Free Bets welcome offer:
- Sign up to Dabble through this link
- Register your account with accurate personal details
- Place your first bet of £10 or more
- Receive your £10 in free bets when your qualifying bet has setted
- Use your Free Bet on any eligible sportsbook market within 7 days
#AD 18+ 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. GambleAware.org
Getting back on top of the Premier League is the priority. And Arsenal will be hoping to strike early against a Newcastle side struggling for form. If the Gunners can build a lead, they can then rest and rotate for the Champions League — which is a two-legged tie nonetheless.
So Martin Zubimendi, Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice should be the midfield trio. Mikel Merino is out injured.
There will be a question over who leads the line, but Kai Havertz appears to be favoured over Viktor Gyokeres. The Swede will have to make do with a role from the bench, with Eberechi Eze completing the front three.
A welcome opponent for Arsenal
As mentioned, Arsenal go into this game off the back of consecutive defeats. But Newcastle have lost three in a row, and eight of their past 11 league games. And they generally struggle at the Emirates.
Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 13 Premier League home games against Newcastle, winning 12. They’ve conceded just one goal to the Magpies in their last nine games at the Emirates.
The Gunners beat Newcastle at St James’ Park earlier this season and are looking to complete the league double over the Magpies for the first time since 2020-21.