Newcastle United will be hosting the high flying Gunners at St. James’s park. Arsenal has enjoyed good form recently as they have won 5 out of their last six games in all competitions. They secured a qualification in the next round of the Europa league with a 2-2 draw after bit off a scare from CSKA as they were once 2-0 down.
Newcastle United are having an amazing run themselves. Rafael Benitez has transformed this side since the turn of the year. They are coming on the back fo three consecutive victories which has propelled them to a safe spot at tenth. They currently have 38 points and have surprised many with their form, as they were expected to be in a relegation scrap at this point in time.
Such has been the performance form the Magpies that they have lost just once since January. Since the start of the year, they have accumulated 18 points, a feat which is bettered only by the current top four side. However, Newcastle’s form against the top clubs hasn’t been good and especially against Arsenal.
Arsenal has won all the last 10 encounters against the Tyneside club but Arsenal is the only Premier League side who haven’t picked a point away from home in 2018. This will be a great opportunity for them as they look to get their season back on track. The Magpies are just two points off the magical 40 mark and with a positive result this weekend, they can certainly cross that mark.
Here is how Rafael Benitez’s men would most likely line up
Defence-
Benitez doesn’t have any injury concern to his team so he will have a full squad to choose from. The impressive Slovakian keeper Dubravka will be starting in goal. Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune will be the expected centre-back pairing. Yedlin and Dummett will complete the back four.
Midfield-
Jonjo Shelvey has been instrumental in the middle of the pitch for Newcastle as he has influenced Magpie’s every attack. His switch up play and work rate has been terrific and he might just have an outside chance to be picked for the World cup squad for England. Diame will partner him in midfield and Ritchie and Kenedy will provide width from both the flanks.
Attack-
Ayoze Perez who has scored in last two games will be starting just behind Gayle. Gayle will be expected to start up front but his place might come under threat as Slimani has recovered from injury.
